Google fined $25,000

Google, the search giant, has been dealt a devastating blow by being fined $25,000 for impeding a U.S. government investigation into its data-collection activities as part of its Street View project which allows the users of its map service to view street level images of mapped locations.

The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) imposed the fine on Google for not cooperating fully with an investigation into the collection of personal information without permission. The violation which the FCC was investigating, involved Google’s collection of personal data through open WiFi connections it came across as its Street View technology collected images for its maps service.

“Misconduct of this nature threatens to compromise the commission’s ability to effectively investigate possible violations of the Communications Act and the commission’s rules.” (FCC)

Well at least it’s good to know that our government hasn’t abandoned us in favor of industry giants such as Google. The $25,000 fine should be a reminder to all companies that they will face severe* consequences if they violate the rights of U.S. citizens.

*Based on the latest announcements, Google had a net income of $2.89 billion for the first quarter of 2012. So it’ll take Google well over a minute to recoup the cost of the fine imposed by the FCC.