STEVE SCALISE
1ST DISTRICT, LOUISIANA
ASSISTANT REPUBLICAN WHIP
THE COMMITTEE ON
ENERGY AND COMMERCE
SUBCOMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS,
TECHNOLOGY. AND TIiE INTl:RNET
SUBCOMMITTEE ON
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT
SUBCOMMITTEE ON
OVERSIG>lT AND INVESTIGATIONS
ctCongre£i~of tbe Wniteb~tate£i
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_asblngton, 1llClC 20515-1801
March 31,2011
429 CANNON HOUSE OffICE BUILDING
WAS>lINGTON, DC 20515-1801
(202) 225-3015
110 VETERANS BOULEVARD, SUITE 500
METAIRIE, LA 70005
15041 B37-1259
21454 KOOp DRIVE, SUITE IE
MANDEVILLE, LA 70471
(9851893-9064
201 S. CATE STREET, SUITE E
HAMMOND, LA 70403
19851340-2185
The Honorable Julius Genachowski
Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554
Dear Mr. Chairman:
Thank you for your participation and comments during our Net Neutrality hearing last
month. I appreciated your comments as well as those ofthe other Commissioners.
Following up on that discussiot:l, I write to ask for a briefmg by your staffon the status of
the Commission's investigation into Google's unauthorized interception of personal
communications from Wi-Fi networks through its Street View vehicles. In my view, Google's
data collection activities demonstrate an egregious disregard for personal privacy. Based on
what I have heard, Google has admitted that for three years (2007-2010) its Street View vehicles
captured and stored the private Wi-Fi communications of consumers around the world without
notice to or consent from those individuals.
As you know, 37 state attorneys general are investigating Google's data collection
activity as are more than a dozen foreign countries. In fact, just last week France issued its
largest fine ever against a private company, fining Google for improperly collecting and storing
sensitive consumer data. The FCC's investigation seems even more timely and relevant given
yesterday's announcement by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that Google used deceptive
tactics and violated its own privacy promises to consumers when it launched its social network,
Google Buzz, last year. I would appreciate an update on your efforts.
Ifyou have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or my Legislative Director
Megan Bel at (202) 225-3015.
Sincerely,
Steve Scalise
Member ofCongress
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