INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Google is under investigation in Australia after it was claimed that the internet giant has been collecting user data from millions of
company, Alphabet, has been illegally receiving detailed information on search histories and user locations of Australian Android
million Android users in Australia, it raises serious privacy concerns so soon after the Facebook-Cambridge Analytica scandal, and has
Google is harvesting a gigabyte of data, it is a very real cost to consumers," said David Vaile, chairman of the Australian Privacy
Foundation.A spokeswoman for the ACCC has said that the consumer watchdog "met with Oracle and is considering information it has provided
about Google services"."We are exploring how much consumers know about the use of location data and are working closely with the Privacy
Commissioner," she added.Street View the evidenceAccording to Vaile, Google began collecting the data as part of its Street View project,
but the data is now kept up-to-date by regular transfer of user information.Google, however, insists that the data is collected only after a
user grants permission.In the meantime, Australian telcos have asked Google for more information regarding the allegations
A spokesperson for Telstra, Australia's largest telco, added, "We are aware of the reports in the media and we have asked Google to advise
whether they are accurate."
