Post by Nakor on May 20, 2010 23:44:22 GMT -5
First, read this article if you aren't familiar with the incident and the lawsuit already:
www.ibtimes.com/articles/24431/20100520/google-s-data-collection-prompts-lawsuit.htm
My question is, do you think that what Google did warrants a lawsuit?
I point to the fact that they only gathered data from unprotected networks. An average WiFi router may reach hundreds of feet from its location, and if it has no protection on it, your data is basically free game to anyone in range. Do you really have a reasonable expectation of privacy when you don't have any form of encryption (WEP, WPA, WPA2) on your wireless which is broadcasting to all your neighbours?
Personally, I feel the responsibility lies with those who used an unprotected connection in the first place. What Google did -- regardless of the morality (which would not be in question if it turns out to be truly unintentional as they say) of doing so -- was no more illegal than looking through someone's open window from the street if their blinds are open.
Thoughts?
www.ibtimes.com/articles/24431/20100520/google-s-data-collection-prompts-lawsuit.htm
My question is, do you think that what Google did warrants a lawsuit?
I point to the fact that they only gathered data from unprotected networks. An average WiFi router may reach hundreds of feet from its location, and if it has no protection on it, your data is basically free game to anyone in range. Do you really have a reasonable expectation of privacy when you don't have any form of encryption (WEP, WPA, WPA2) on your wireless which is broadcasting to all your neighbours?
Personally, I feel the responsibility lies with those who used an unprotected connection in the first place. What Google did -- regardless of the morality (which would not be in question if it turns out to be truly unintentional as they say) of doing so -- was no more illegal than looking through someone's open window from the street if their blinds are open.
Thoughts?
