The timing is interesting from my point of view, since I'd just been investigating wireless security stuff before changing some things around with *my* router. ("Oh hai, I'm using the type of security that can be broken in minutes! >< ")
From what I've read, it's arguable that SSID and MAC address can't be considered private information by nature of the way WiFi works. It'd be like trying to hide the color of your house - the only way to keep someone from seeing it is to not have a house.
Capturing data... that's an entirely different story. Even messages that have good security reveal things that might be best kept private. (Another reason to look into VPNs?)
As for this, here's something else that sounds concerning (from here):
"On June 4, Google shared the data its cars had collected in France with the CNIL. The CNIL told IDG that it was the first country to receive data from Google. Spain and Germany have also requested the data captured within their borders."
Which sounds to me like the government is getting the actual data. Which might be more worrying than just google having it.
-Morgan.
From what I've read, it's arguable that SSID and MAC address can't be considered private information by nature of the way WiFi works. It'd be like trying to hide the color of your house - the only way to keep someone from seeing it is to not have a house.
Capturing data... that's an entirely different story. Even messages that have good security reveal things that might be best kept private. (Another reason to look into VPNs?)
As for this, here's something else that sounds concerning (from here):
"On June 4, Google shared the data its cars had collected in France with the CNIL. The CNIL told IDG that it was the first country to receive data from Google. Spain and Germany have also requested the data captured within their borders."
Which sounds to me like the government is getting the actual data. Which might be more worrying than just google having it.
-Morgan.