A police investigation has begun into Google and some of the internet giant’s employees for collecting private information about Australians while they photographed streets.

Federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland revealed today he had referred the matter to the Australian Federal Police.

The investigation relates to whether or not Google workers acted illegally in securing private information from people’s wireless internet connections while taking photographs for its Google Maps website.

‘‘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,’’ Mr McClelland told reporters.

‘‘I note there 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.‘‘