Google set to clear UK privacy hurdle

Google's forthcoming email service should be clear of legal issues in Britain, as long as the company doesn't deceive customers about how their personal information will be treated.

Privacy advocates are unhappy that Google is planning to scan emails and add adverts that it thinks are relevant to the context of the message. Last week, Privacy International urged the UK Information Commissioner to take action against the service.

But the word from the Commissioner's office on Tuesday is that if Google is upfront about its plans it should have no problem offering the service in the UK.

A spokeswoman for the Information Commissioner's Office said: "As long as it's transparent to people when they sign up that Google is monitoring their email usage and passing that information on for marketing purposes, then they probably wouldn't be breaking any legislation. Until Gmail's up and running, though, we can't be certain."

The Information Commissioner's Office had previously declined to comment on Privacy International's complaint. It is understood that Google was surprised by this complaint, given that Gmail is still in its trial phase.

Google has also been attacked for saying that copies of emails could be retained within Gmail even after a user has deletes them. This, though, is unlikely to raise the ire of the authorities as they recognise that it's often very difficult to truly delete data.

"Internet service providers are already dealing with the issue that copies of emails remain inside their systems after a user has tried to delete them," said the Information Commissioner's spokeswoman.

Google says that it has the "highest regard" for the privacy of its users' information, and insists there is nothing sinister about Gmail.

"We are confident that Gmail is fully compliant with data protection laws worldwide. We look forward to a detailed dialogue with data protection authorities across Europe to ensure their concerns are heard and resolved."

Graeme Wearden writes for ZDNet UK