Internet search giant Google has confirmed it gathered data about personal wireless connections from homes around Australia and New Zealand.

The internet giant confirmed the fact last night, after privacy watchdogs in Germany, Britain and Australia raised concerns about the practice. Fears include the possibility that Google could match people’s mobile devices and internet behaviour to home addresses.

An internet safety expert says most people would be surprised how much data Google now holds about them – and the company’s word is the only guarantee that it is not misusing the data.

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Google Knows

Google is the world’s most popular search engine.

It retains users’ search histories, along with their internet protocol (IP) address.

Its email service, Gmail, is used by millions of people to store their online correspondence.

Google has trialled targeting advertisements at internet users based on their search history.

Its Street View project built a comprehensive digital database of New Zealand houses and streets.

The company retains personal information that people submit to its iGoogle service.

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