Microsoft Releases Mobile Data Collection Source Code

mikejuk writes "To avoid the problems that Google and Apple have had with collecting WiFi data and privacy issues Microsoft has just released [some of] the source code used in its mobile data collection system. The code shows how the phones that it drives around don't collect any personal data — just WiFi and cell tower identification so that they can be used in geolocation. The source code is a great educational resouce but as to proving that Microsoft is doing the right thing it just doesn't work. First off, it isn't complete. Second, who is to say that it is the code used in the phones? That's the point of software — it's easy to change. Now if only we can provoke them to release large chunks of Windows or Windows Phone 7...."

Comments

apple!=google

[cheeks5965]

just WiFi and cell tower identification so that they can be used in geolocation.

The iphone locationgate was way overblown. Apple's approach was way less intrusive than Google. All they were doing was storing the location of nearby cell towers on the phone, to speed up the phone's geolocation. the data was never sent back to apple. this is the difference between the phone tracking your location and apple tracking your location.

Google, on the other hand, monitors you like the optomicon. one database to rule them all.

Partial release rings alarm bells

[Chris Down]

Partial release is more dangerous than no release at all. Without the ability to compile the entire thing for yourself and check the checksums, there is no real way to know that this is the genuine source.

Just because you open the door a crack, doesn't mean the user can see the massive spike pit hiding behind the hinge.