http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37643844/ns/technology_and_science-security/
Have you ever thought about how Google gets all of the wonderful images they use for Google Maps and direction information with the very helpful “Street View”? What other types of information are they gathering when they get those images?
Google is now saying that more information that the images is gathered! “Google now confesses it has been collecting people's information for years, yet claims they still do not know exactly what they collected and who was vulnerable”. Information like email fragments, search requests, and other internet actions that are not encrypted are being gathered by Google. They say the information is only being seen by two people – one who created the software and one who tested it. Ok, why was it gathered in the first place? And where is the information now? Is this acceptable considering the public’s first amendment rights?
So what about WiFi in public places like libraries or internet cafes? Are there rules for the collection of information via those internet connections? The above articles is dealing with Google taking information from people’s residents and government officials are dealing with this seriously. So will these decisions protect people using WiFi in public areas? What about WiFi that is being partially paid for by the government because of the E-Rate Program? CIPA requires libraries to use filter software if they are purchasing internet access through the E-Rate Program and it is not violating patron’s first amendment rights. So where does the line get drawn? What is in violation and what is not when it comes to using WiFi in public places?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Hey January,
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting and kind of scary article. I found an article on Internet security which gives some background information and details as to what constitutes crossing the line as far as stealing Wi-Fi and such.
Here is the link:
http://www.securityfocus.com/columnists/237
Leah
It's an interesting to think about - do people have a right to privacy where their internet searches and communications are concerned? Libraries have a responsibility to protect citizen's information requests so that they have complete freedom to access that information - but does Google have the same responsibility? As a private company that provides a service, why wouldn't they record information about that service? Is it any different from Target keeping records of your purchases?
ReplyDeleteExactly Jen! This made me think about the Kroger card I LOVE because I get deals when buying groceries. But why do you think I get the coupons at the checkout...because they are tracking everything I buy!!! Kind of scary, but I am saving money!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Leah...now I am thinking about the book Little Brother...what does the government know and do that we are unaware of...what do they do that is "bending" the intentions of the laws when it comes to privacy and the internet?
ReplyDeleteYeah, this is all pretty frightening really. When I first heard that I could go on Google and see a satalite image of my house, it really kind of freaked me out. Seriously, think about how much easier it makes it for certain (I don't know who) criminals (or whomever else) to do... whatever. I don't know... the whole thing just kind of gives me the creeps. It sort of reminds me of one of the articles I looked at when I was trying to find articles for my group leader assignment. I don't have the citation or anything right now, but essentially it spelled out how we really only have an illusion of security and privacy. Our personal information is available to almost anyone with the know-how to get it, not only those that we have authorized. Most people just don't think about it... and if you don't think about it, it's not there, right?
ReplyDeleteI find it all very creepy. The "Big Brother" thing is in full-effect, but we're all a part of it. ...and the whole thing has gotten so big that there probably isn't any way to go back now. ...freaky. People who spout off about this sort of thing sound like wacko conspiracy theorists, but the sad thing is that they're pretty much right on with it.
I'm with Joe. It totally freaked me out when I discovered Google streetview allowed anyone with an internet connection to basically look through my living room window. No, it's not in real time, and no, they don't necessarily know who lives there but still...it's creepy!
ReplyDeleteI'd also have to agree that security and privacy are but an illusion. For further proof, see:
www.spoke.com (which somehow knows my previous job title & employer, even though I've never set up any type of account or profile with them);
www.socialdiligence.com (which knows I'm 25 and live in South Bend);
www.uditto.com (which shows my full name and a corresponding Google Map image with my home precisely pinpointed. SCARY.)
Need I go on? If you've never Googled yourself, try it. You'll be shocked at how much information strangers can get about you with very little effort.
I hate to say it, but my suspicion is that if push came to shove, Google could claim that any information you type into their search engine is theirs.
ReplyDeleteThe others are right: there is no privacy on the internet, unfortunately. There may be legally (at the moment), but in reality there isn't.
My take is that unless you're working on an unbroadcasted, encrypted network, don't figure anything you put in there is private. However, too many people think that as long as you need a password to log onto your own computer, you're fine.
ReplyDeleteI read this article in my local paper to my husband who maintains a school network. His comment was that if you properly protect your wifi this wouldn't happen to you. So while it's not go for people's information to be exposed and possibly kept, there is also a responsibly to protect your own privacy. I know some people never change the default password on their network (which is often simply password).
ReplyDeleteJanuary, I didn't realize that you'd blogged about the Google Street View data gathering!
ReplyDeleteI think very few of us actually think seriously about how much information we put out there about ourselves. I also know that I'm really guilty of using the same passwords repeatedly because I can't keep them straight otherwise. This, of course, makes me more vulnerable than I should be.