Google Describes Wi-Fi Sniffing In Pending Patent

theodp writes "After mistakenly saying that it did not collect Wi-Fi payload data, Google had to reverse itself, saying, 'it's now clear that we have been mistakenly collecting samples of payload data from open (i.e. non-password-protected) Wi-Fi networks.' OK, mistakes happen. But, as Seinfeld might ask, then what's the deal with the pending Google patent that describes capturing wireless data packets by operating a device — which 'may be placed in a vehicle' — in a 'sniffer' or 'monitor' mode and analyzing them on a server? Guess belated kudos are owed to the savvy Slashdot commenter who speculated back in January that the patent-pending technology might be useful inside a Google Street View vehicle. Google faces inquiries into its Wi-Fi packet sniffing practices by German and US authorities."

Comments

Wardriving?

[Anonymous Coward]

A patent?

Isn't that exactly the same thing which wardrivers have been doing since WiFi existed?

What website is this again?

[Anonymous Coward]

I am totally unconcerned with Google or anyone else collecting this kind of data. If you don't want anyone to know about your access point then stop broadcasting for hundreds of feet over public property. If you don't want me to decrypt your satellite feeds to get free TV then stop broadcasting it into my receiver on my property.

Re:What website is this again?

[Anonymous Coward]

I am totally unconcerned with Google or anyone else collecting this kind of data. If you don't want anyone to know about your access point then stop broadcasting for hundreds of feet over public property. If you don't want me to decrypt your satellite feeds to get free TV then stop broadcasting it into my receiver on my property.

I don't mind that people see me when I go out on the street.

But at the same time, I don't want Google or any other company to film me, and digitally store every trip I make.

But following your line of thought, I should reason that if I don't want Google to film me in my own street, then I shouldn't go outside.

Re:What website is this again?

[morgan_greywolf]

I am totally unconcerned with Google or anyone else collecting this kind of data. If you don't want anyone to know about your access point then stop broadcasting for hundreds of feet over public property.

In addition, start using WPA, stop broadcasting your SSID, etc.

Personally, I do use WPA, but I still broadcast my SSID, which is currently set to 'hacker' and for some reason the neighbors say they don't want to mess with that wireless network. ;)

Terrible summary, yellow journalism at its finest

[ukyoCE]

operating a device — which 'may be placed in a vehicle' — in a 'sniffer' or 'monitor' mode and analyzing them on a server?

As scary as the poster tries to make this sound, this is how you listen for public access points. This post is a scare-mongering dupe.

Yellow journalism is getting to be awfully common here on Slashdot. For instance this troll of a story which just so happens to be from the same author:

http://developers.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=10/05/21/1427245

Re:xmmm

[Daengbo]

There is no reading comprehension in the world, apparently. This patent is about what Google claims it was trying to do -- recording SSID and MAC information for location purposes. It has nothing to do with the "mistaken" data packets (sent unencrypted over the air). How the submitter connected the two, I don't know. I suspect lack of coffee and excess Google hate.

You insensitive clod!

[Hognoxious]

Whatyoutalkinbout, Willis?