Why should you have to opt out of having data collected by Google that they have no right to collect in the first place?

A more reasonable option would be to append "_map" to the SSID if you were prepared to have your location logged.

Yes, distasteful isn't it. However, you are broadcasting your SSID to all and sundry.

So?

So, it's not just google capturing the data, other location service providers do too. Do they allow you to opt in/out?

What does that have to do with anything?

It's unlawful, end of. IMO, any company found guilty of such activities should get a heavy fine the first time, and if they do it again a fine that comes close to putting them out of business, with a warning that the next one will be a lot bigger.

No point pussy-footing about.

What's unlawful?

Breaching the DPA.

I would imagine breaching any act would be unlawful, however Google location services clearly isn't unlawful as you need to opt-out. If it was unlawful it couldn't exist so there wouldn't be anything to opt-out of.

It's used by travellers to find out where they are, rather than to determine who residents are.

In reply to a post by BatBoy:

If it was unlawful it couldn't exist

Yeah... driving over 30mph in a built-up area is unlawful so it doesn't exist.

Get real.

Get this. Get caught 3 times and get banned.