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Technical News & Discussion => Windows News & Discussion => Topic started by: Gary on Apr 23, 2010, 10:01:42

Title: Google streetview scans for private WLAN networks!
Post by: Gary on Apr 23, 2010, 10:01:42
Quote "Google's roving Street View spycam may blur your face, but it's got your number. The Street View service is under fire in Germany for scanning private WLAN networks, and recording users' unique Mac (Media Access Control) addresses, as the car trundles along.

Germany's Federal Commissioner for Data Protection Peter Schaar says he's "horrified" by the discovery"

More here http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/04/22/google_streetview_logs_wlans/
Title: Re: Google streetview scans for private WLAN networks!
Post by: Rik on Apr 23, 2010, 10:10:37
Google is going to have to be cut down to size. We should organise a one-day boycott of it's search engine all around the world. That might make them take some notice.
Title: Re: Google streetview scans for private WLAN networks!
Post by: Gary on Apr 23, 2010, 10:13:59
Quote from: Rik on Apr 23, 2010, 10:10:37
Google is going to have to be cut down to size. We should organise a one-day boycott of it's search engine all around the world. That might make them take some notice.
I think its really out of order that they do that Rik, and some people wonder why I don't use their browser or GE anymore  :shake: they really have become all consuming.
Title: Re: Google streetview scans for private WLAN networks!
Post by: Rik on Apr 23, 2010, 10:16:18
And, given half a chance, will become even more so.
Title: Re: Google streetview scans for private WLAN networks!
Post by: Gary on Apr 23, 2010, 10:24:55
Quote from: Rik on Apr 23, 2010, 10:16:18
And, given half a chance, will become even more so.
Along with Facebook they will become the two most dominant forces on the web I believe  :bawl:
Title: Re: Google streetview scans for private WLAN networks!
Post by: Rik on Apr 23, 2010, 10:28:28
I agree, and I suspect that they will come to dwarf the hardware and OS manufacturers in the process.
Title: Re: Google streetview scans for private WLAN networks!
Post by: Simon on Apr 23, 2010, 11:11:50
It's the one thing that puts me off Andriod phones.  :(
Title: Re: Google streetview scans for private WLAN networks!
Post by: Rik on Apr 23, 2010, 11:16:09
I am very reluctant to use Google products now, they seem to have developed megalomania. :(
Title: Re: Google streetview scans for private WLAN networks!
Post by: Gary on Apr 23, 2010, 11:19:04
Quote from: Simon on Apr 23, 2010, 11:11:50
It's the one thing that puts me off Andriod phones.  :(
I agree, the latest HTC looks gorgeous, but Android is...well Android, Apple is really no better and Adobe have given up on that platform, but I must admit I don't miss Flash on the mobile, I certainly would never by a Nexus. I don't think the freedoms we had with software/hardware will ever be the same again, Simon.
Title: Re: Google streetview scans for private WLAN networks!
Post by: Simon on Apr 23, 2010, 11:25:37
It's looking that way, Gary.  Any idea the OS on the Nokia N900 is like?  Memeno or something, isn't it?
Title: Re: Google streetview scans for private WLAN networks!
Post by: Gary on Apr 23, 2010, 11:27:40
Quote from: Simon on Apr 23, 2010, 11:25:37
It's looking that way, Gary.  Any idea the OS on the Nokia N900 is like?  Memeno or something, isn't it?
Its meant to be very good from all accounts Simon, reviews for it are great. It may well be the last bastion of freedom as a phone platform at this rate.
Title: Re: Google streetview scans for private WLAN networks!
Post by: Simon on Apr 23, 2010, 11:31:03
I wonder why more phone brands aren't using it?
Title: Re: Google streetview scans for private WLAN networks!
Post by: Rik on Apr 23, 2010, 11:39:46
Perhaps Nokia owns it?
Title: Re: Google streetview scans for private WLAN networks!
Post by: Gary on Apr 23, 2010, 11:42:24
Quote from: Rik on Apr 23, 2010, 11:39:46
Perhaps Nokia owns it?
Think they may do.
Title: Re: Google streetview scans for private WLAN networks!
Post by: Simon on Apr 23, 2010, 11:54:04
Ah...