The nosier picture

On March 12, Google admitted to invading the privacy of people with its “street level” feature, introduced in 2007. The admission came as part of a settlement with 38 states, Nevada included.

The feature shows 360-degree photographs from street level. At the time that the views now posted online were taken by Google vehicles, Google also gathered passwords, email and other personal information from unknowing computer users through unsecured wireless networks.

Only a token fine of $7 million was imposed against Google, a company now worth more than $250 billion whose chair just took a bonus of $6 million. Google agreed to destroy the data, though no information was released on how that destruction will be confirmed. In addition, Google agreed to adopt new privacy policies.

Nevada will receive $113,531 as part of the settlement. The money will go into the state general fund.