Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster is asking Google to answer questions about how the party ’s widespread wireless - web sniffing activity may have affected local residents .

In a letter to Google Friday , Koster says it ’s not light whether Google broke state constabulary , but adds that “ there can be no doubt that the company ’s conduct implicates the privacy concerns of Missouri residents . ”

The lawyer full general involve Google to explain how Wi - Fi data point collected by the company ’s StreetView vehicles was used and what it ’s done to keep the potentially raw information safe . He also asked Google to adjudge on to the data until the appropriate regulator can consider the matter .

“ We bear Google to allow for information to us so we can ascertain whether there is any terror to Missourians ’ individual entropy , and take natural action if necessary to protect it , ” Koster said in a statement .

This latest development record that state authorities are also taking an interest in a controversy that has reportedly caught the attending of U.S. regulators . Agencies in France , Germany and Canada have already opened investigations , and Google is face at leastseven division - action at law lawsuitsover the affair .

Google StreetView cars , which drive around cities taking photograph for use with Google Maps , had been collecting Wi - Fi networking data for years to encourage the accuracy of some of its placement - base product . But the party of late admitted that they have alsoinadvertently recorded the contents of atomic number 99 - mail and Web pages on unbarred wireless networks .

Google charge the debacle on the action of a single engineer and is now inquire the matter . In the interim , pressure from regulator worldwide is mob up .

Consumer advocate John Simpson said he was glad to see Missouri inquire for an explanation . “ Google ’s … performance compromised consumer ’ privacy in the very heartland of America , ” said Simpson , an advocate with California ’s Consumer Watchdog , in an e - chain armour subject matter . “ The Internet colossus needs to be held accountable . ”

Google could not immediately be reached for commentary .