The Australian Federal police have been ordered to investigate Google over a possible breach of privacy, which took place when the company was taking pictures for its Street View mapping service.

Federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland has asked police to probe Google after numerous complains were received from the public claiming that while the internet giant was gathering pictures for Street View, private wireless data was also being collected at the same time.

“In light of concerns having been raised by the public, my department thought there were issues of substance that were raised that require police investigation,’’ said McClelland. “I note there has been some complaints voiced, and understandably voiced, by the public in respect to practices that have been reported involving allegations that some information may have been obtained by staff of Google travelling around streets.”

Google has recently criticised the Australian government’s plan for internet filters and has apologised for gathering the data from unprotected wireless networks and said it will co-operate the police.