Google streetview scans for private WLAN networks!

Gary · 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/

Rik · 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.

Gary · 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

they really have become all consuming.

Rik · Apr 23, 2010, 10:16:18

And, given half a chance, will become even more so.

Gary · 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

Rik · 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.

Simon · Apr 23, 2010, 11:11:50

It's the one thing that puts me off Andriod phones.

Rik · Apr 23, 2010, 11:16:09

I am very reluctant to use Google products now, they seem to have developed megalomania.

Gary · 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.

Simon · 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?

Gary · 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.

Simon · Apr 23, 2010, 11:31:03

I wonder why more phone brands aren't using it?

Rik · Apr 23, 2010, 11:39:46

Perhaps Nokia owns it?

Gary · Apr 23, 2010, 11:42:24

Quote from: Rik on Apr 23, 2010, 11:39:46
Perhaps Nokia owns it?

Think they may do.

Simon · Apr 23, 2010, 11:54:04

Ah...