Summary: A continuation of Google's problems in Europe, Britain has said that Google committed a "Serious breach of privacy laws." Lucky for Google, they managed to avoid a fine by promising to not do it ever again. The information gathered consisting of personal e-mails, computer passwords, and other personal data. Google gathered it accidentally, and has been apologizing and attempting to remove it ever since. It appears that a simple apology has been enough to avoid consequences... thus far.

Analysis: The betterment of technological resources in maps (specifically the street view) is most certainly worth a significant amount. The cost for Google, however, has been in Trust with their consumers. Combined with the Buzz snafu prior, which published peoples personal information for all to see, it is becoming a disturbing trend that Google not notice what they're doing with personal data before it's too late. Google has garnered a lot of social good-will from individuals due to their track record and good PR, but they are continuing to stress the potential for public backlash.

Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/04/technology/04google.html?ref=technology