A probe into alleged privacy violations by Google Street View service widened Wednesday when 37 other states joined an investigation initiated by Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal into the web search giant, dpa reported.
The 38-member coalition sent a letter demanding information from Google about the Street View software, which Google has already admitted collected data from open wi-fi networks without authorizations - possibly including passwords, emails, browsing history and other confidential information.
The letter demanded information about Google's testing of the program, the types of data the program had been designed to collect and whether Google sold or otherwise used any of the unauthorized data that it collected.
"Google's responses continue to generate more questions than they answer," Blumenthal said.
"We are asking Google to identify specific individuals responsible for the snooping code and how Google was unaware that this code allowed the Street View cars to collect data broadcast over wi-fi networks. We will take all appropriate steps - including potential legal action if warranted - to obtain complete, comprehensive answers."