Google has a problem — well, many problems.
Since news broke that the search engine giant “mistakenly” collected and stored data broadcast from wireless networks in Connecticut and countries around the world, probes have been initiated to determine the extent of the data collection. On Monday, it was reported that Google may have collected “data that are normally covered by… banking and medical privacy rules.”
Throughout the entire ordeal, the technology giant has vowed to cooperate — and has insisted that it did not break any laws, an assertion it repeated in a letter to Congress.
Google has insisted that it considered the information broadcast from the personal and business networks to be public information. Too bad its spokespeople did not read its own WiFi privacy policy.
According to its own policy, first reported by Tech Eye: “Wireless Internet access presents challenges for protecting your information from illegal data interception by third parties.” Oops.
Collecting information from unsecured wireless networks should be illegal — regardless of intent. This episode should remind our representatives of such threats to Americans.
“Unauthorized surveillance of wireless network data is the dark side of the new Internet era — and I will fight it,” Connecticut Attorney General Blumenthal said in a statement earlier this month — and he is absolutely right.
This news should remind Web surfers that they should only use secure wireless connections, including when “just” checking e-mail, or else they face becoming a victim. Learn more about wireless security here.
As Google’s own privacy policy states: “Security threats are constantly evolving, so you should regularly check to be sure that your security protection is up to date.”
Well said.
Tech Talk thanks Simon Owens, a journalist and online media strategist, for sharing the privacy policy angle. See something? Tweet us.
