Google maps all WiFi networks in Britain

LONDON,UK: Every WiFi wireless router — the device that links most computer owners to the internet - in every home has been entered into a Google database, according to a Telegraph report.

The report said that the information was collected by radio aerials on their Street View cars, which have now photographed almost every home in the country.

The project had remained secret until an inquiry in Germany earlier this month in which Google was forced to admit that it “mistakenly” downloaded emails and other data from unsecured wireless networks where they were not protected by a password.

Google points out that other companies have already mapped wireless networks, notably a company called Skyhook Wireless which has a contract with Apple, manufacturers of the iPhone.

Google say the information, which lists the networks’ MAC (Media Access Control) address and SSID (Service Set-ID) number, but not their house number, is publicly available because the wireless network signals extend beyond the property in which they are located.

Google has now suspended the use of Street View cars across the world — but their work in Britain is already complete.

They said last week that they had not notified data protection authorities because “we did not think it was necessary” but they added: “It’s clear with hindsight that greater transparency would have been better.”

(Source:Telegraph)