Google

[Lady's Human]

Anyone who thinks Goldman Sachs is an evil entity, think again.

Google has them beat by miles.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/04...ew_logs_wlans/

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.




I wonder what neat little tidbits they have hiding in Chrome?

[Lady's Human]

I'm amazed that there's no reaction to this.

If it was the government doing it, there would be 4th amendment protests left and right. But, being that it's that big fuzzy friendly company Google it's okay?

Score another one for the company that helps China and other countries censor the 'net.

[Karen]

I wonder about it, and if it is just some German or European branch that decided to do that!

[Lady's Human]

Google CEO Eric Schmidt recently said internet users shouldn't worry about privacy unless they have something to hide.

Now, every time the Government makes a statement like that, there's howling from all quarters.

Doesn't sound like something Google Germany did on a whim.

[Cataholic]

Constitutional rights, like the 4th amendment, are rights between a citizen and its government, not a person and a private company. For instance, my company can film and record me all day long, there are no 4th amendment protections afforded me in that situation.

Perhaps that is why no one is clamoring 4th amendment issues here.

[Lady's Human]

Yes, but this is a private entity gathering data on individuals without their consent.

It's not a government entity, however, would you like someone essentially gathering the keys to your computer while driving through your neighborhood unannounced?

I'm willing to bet that would be a hell no.

[Catty1]

...unless they were driving in Beijing....

[Cataholic]

You asked why no 4th amendment rants, I answered.

As to someone driving through my neighborhood gathering data on me, you asked the wrong person. I, personally, don't care. I am in the minority, I am sure.

[Lady's Human]

Pay bills by computer?

Correspond through email for work?

Shop online?

Think your data is secure? (It isn't, but that's a side issue)

Google just stepped up their data mining by an incredible amount. They have become the 800 lb gorilla of info security.

[Lady's Human]

If it was the government doing it, there would be 4th amendment protests left and right. But, being that it's that big fuzzy friendly company Google it's okay?

BTW, read what I typed......I'm well aware that private entities are not subject to the 4th amendment.....however they are subject to laws against theft.

Much like people screaming censorship when a private company limits speech and certain organizations get upset..........it's not a Constitutional issue but the argument is stated, time and time again.

[RICHARD]

LOL, but tell people that their shoppping cards are being tapped for info and watch them freak out.

I know there are three wireless systems in my area-how hard is it to tap into the system and find out who is who?

-------------------

I am waiting for the medical records system to blow up.....

[phesina]

Pay bills by computer?

Correspond through email for work?

Shop online?

Think your data is secure? (It isn't, but that's a side issue)

Google just stepped up their data mining by an incredible amount. They have become the 800 lb gorilla of info security.

Are you saying DON'T pay bills by computer or shop online? I do both of these, but maybe I should stop?

[Grace]

Are you saying DON'T pay bills by computer or shop online? I do both of these, but maybe I should stop?

Pat, this might address some of your questions and concerns.

[lizbud]

My first & last post on this topic. I don't see what the furor is all about.
It's been going on since 2008. Why the sudden interest now?

[Lady's Human]

So you won't mind if I come over and rifle through your desk, Liz?

By the way, the article is from yesterday, not 2008.