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Google Lets Wi-Fi Router Owners Opt Out
From Their Inclusion in AP Based Location Databases

Back in April of last year, Google was busted using their Google Street View cars to collect Wi-Fi data from areas they passed through. Google initially stated they only collected publicly available SSID and MAC Address data -- then later acknowledged that they were collecting snippets of actual transmitted data -- though Google insisted they did so accidentally, and only from unsecured hotspots. Several studies subsequently found that little to no useful data was collected, given collection vehicles automatically changed channels roughly five times a second -- and also faced physical obstacles and interference.

While Google was upfront about what they had done, the company still faced a series of investigations and an ongoing lawsuit. This week the company announced over at their blog that they're offering users the ability to choose not to have their routers included in Google's Location Server database:
quote:
To opt out, visit your access point’s settings and change the wireless network name (or SSID) so that it ends with “_nomap.” For example, if your SSID is “Network,” you‘d need to change it to “Network_nomap.” . . . As we explored different approaches for opting-out access points from the Google Location Server, we found that a method based on wireless network names provides the right balance of simplicity as well as protection against abuse. Specifically, this approach helps protect against others opting out your access point without your permission.
Google says they hope the "_nomap" string will be used universally to help router owners opt out of all similar publicly available router data collection services. Granted, many of the people shocked and bothered by the fact that Google is collecting publicly available data from unsecured hotspots may not know how to change their SSID name in the first place.

Most recommended from 68 comments


rmdir
join:2003-03-13
Chicago, IL

2 recommendations

rmdir

Member

an alternative

Why don't they make it opt in instead? If the SSID doesn't include _maprouter, then it doesn't get added. If it's such a good thing I'm sure everyone will want to be included.
Phatty
join:2000-05-10
Saint Louis, MO

2 recommendations

Phatty

Member

Who Cares?

I still don't see what the big deal is. They are not stealing anything, they are scanning the air and picking up the SSIDs that are easily available that anyone can already see. Keeping track of Wifi locations benefits anyone who pulls up a service that uses that information to help pin point a persons location faster than GPS can normally lock onto a signal.

Making it opt in only would make the service worthless, as most people don't know how, or won't put the effort into applying the map flag. This provides a solution for those few users who are offended or surprised by the fact that the wireless signal goes through walls into public space.

kapil
The Kapil
join:2000-04-26
Chicago, IL

2 recommendations

kapil

Member

Go to Hell, Google

So, to prevent Google from stealing my data, I have to spend time and effort modifying my network and touching each and every device that connects to my wireless network?

Fuck off.