The global controversy over collection and use of location data from Apple and Android smartphones has taken a new turn in Korea. The media today, including both the Chosun Ilbo and the Joongang Daily, are reporting that the Seoul Metropolitan Police raided Google Korea's offices in Yeoksam-dong. (click on the accompanying graphic to see a full size version)According to the Chosun Ilbo account, Police said members of their cyber unit conducted the raid Tuesday. They carried away hard drives and other equipment related to Google's AdMob unit, which is suspected of collecting personal location information without authority or permission.The probe is not directly related to a previous investigation of Google in Korea. That probe concerned the incidental collection of personal data while Google cars were cruising through neighborhoods and taking photographs for the company's Street View service.
I cannot help but posting the following comment: given North Korea's recent cyber attack on the Nonghyup Bank, it is good to see that South Korea's cyber crime unit has its priorities right...
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