yes, in a 'sinister' sense, it does count. but for all reason, it's for information. but some people just abuse that information. and some of us needs to have all the privacy they want/need.

The Czechs have the right idea

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/09/14/czech_privacy/

No chance of the British government stopping Google from doing whatever they want though.

In reply to a post by CARPETBURN:

In reply to a post by infra_red:

In reply to a post by b4dger:

... nested quotes trimmed ...

Google only captured details for wifi APs that were freely broadcasting their SSIDs.

If you don't want people to see your wifi AP then you shouldn't broadcast your SSID.

Most people don't even know their routers are doing this. In a number of ways Google has taken advantage of people's ignorance here - "Wow how do Google do this! It's so clever!!" If more people knew how it was being done they wouldn't be so happy.

Maybe they should turn wireless off if they dont use it.

If they do use it and they claim they didnt know their router broadcasts that info, then maybe they should ask thereself how they knew which wireless point was theres to connect the other stuff in their home to.

Arguing google has invaded your privacy when you broadcast the data they collect is like blaming a criminal for identity theft if you deliberately gave them your life history and all your personal documents.

Does your neighbour use different passwords for each website? If not i suggest they do incase someone one day sits next to them and watches them type their password openly without hiding the fact they are recording it.

Seriously im all for privacy but if you willingly hand that information out over the airwaves, you have no right to complain when someone takes it.

You probably think if someone invades someone's privacy by sneaking up and looking through the window it's their own fault for not having the curtains permanently pulled.

In reply to a post by infra_red:

You probably think if someone invades someone's privacy by sneaking up and looking through the window it's their own fault for not having the curtains permanently pulled.

Errr what privacy would they have if they dont draw the curtains?
While the person sneaking up may be a pervert, its not the same. Google basically give you the choice if you want to be seen or not when you use their apps.

If a streaker ran through the streets and you sneaked a peak are you invading their privacy? They choose to ran naked through the streets, just as you or your neighbour chooses to air their wireless signal through the streets.

You cant accuse someone of stealing privacy if you give it to them.

At last the authorities are looking into this:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11614970

Amazingly though Google claim this:

Google's director of privacy Alma Whitten said the company would work with the ICO to answer its "further questions and concerns".

She added that the data "has never been used in any Google product and was never intended to be used by Google in any way".

Maxmind as discussed on here before seems to have depending on country accurate GeoIP data.
When taking in all the methods of data collection, it wouldn't be that difficult to have very accurate data on physical location. You can check what location info is held in connection with your IP address:-

www.maxmind.com

In reply to a post by Vorlon:

Maxmind as discussed on here before seems to have depending on country accurate GeoIP data.

Not for me! As discussed earlier IP addresses are not a reliable way to find someone's location. The address just relates to where your provider is 'registered' - so for me on my Freeola/Entanet connection that always relates back to around Telford. I'm quite a few hundred miles from there!

GEO Location using 'Google Location' (my demo page) has me spot on using the Wireless Access Points of my neighbours!

In reply to a post by b4dger:

In reply to a post by Vorlon:

Maxmind as discussed on here before seems to have depending on country accurate GeoIP data.

Not for me! As discussed earlier IP addresses are not a reliable way to find someone's location. The address just relates to where your provider is 'registered' - so for me on my Freeola/Entanet connection that always relates back to around Telford. I'm quite a few hundred miles from there!

GEO Location using 'Google Location' (my demo page) has me spot on using the Wireless Access Points of my neighbours!

"The address just relates to where your provider is 'registered"

This is not neccessarily true. GeoIP is a "tool" used to connect the person who uses a static IP address with a physical location.
This data can be collated when you sign up from free to chargeable services and can provide an extra layer of security for your benefit in the case of online banking and general web transactions.

Not all GeoIP companies are the same with some indentifying the ISP's address, but I've found Maxmind to be accurate and not just for me either.

Edited by Vorlon (Mon 25-Oct-10 01:43:09)

Google's UK Head of PR having a very uncomfortable time being interviewed on the radio this morning. Wriggling like an eel. Not at all convincing.

Post deleted by billford