Maggie’s Technology use can compromise location & data

[oregon]

Be careful how you post your gun pictures. Even when have nothing to hide more information than we want is being collected when surfing for guns and stuff online. There are ways to conceal our information online, while most do not think yet it is worth the effort. Yet.

In the WSJ today, "Google Inc. and Apple Inc. collect and store location information from personal computers, as well as mobile devices, according to company executives, a disclosure that sheds new light on the scope of the data collected by tech companies.

Apple gathers information from some Apple Macintosh computers connected to Wi-Fi networks, and Google collects data from Wi-Fi-connected computers that use Google's Chrome browser or search 'toolbar.'

They obtain the information after a computer scans the area around itself for available Wi-Fi networks, typically after users give a website permission to determine the computer's approximate location." ... Makes using Google Places as is combined with Google Maps also suspect and there is more at:

Computers, Too, Can Give Away Location

'Smart' phones give away locations also. Especially when take pictures shared when not configured properly. Depending on device the default is usually to give out location on GPS enabled cameras / video equipment. GeoTags in image, audio, and video end results identify location with more. A TV Star last year gave out too much information by sharing a picture online - it was Adam Savage. The myth-buster gave fans who noticed a home address with a picture of his wheels:

Web Photos That Reveal Secrets, Like Where You Live
<a href="http://www.gunknowledge.com/forum/index.php?topic=290" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">
More about Geo Tags, like how to enable / disable on some smart phones is HERE</a>

The average Joe citizen unknowingly gives location with personal information out freely online often by these new devices. Some also share pictures, audio, and video. Unfortunately 'private' portable device and computer use shares more information with more people than many users understand.

And due to implied consent anything put on over the internet is considered public information, because a third party like your ISP also has access. Is how Microsoft private e-mails became public usable in court - when Microsoft got busted as a monopoly.

Kinda sucks but good to know.

 

[oregon]

Re: Technology use can compromise location & data

Google's South Korean Offices Raided Over Data Collection
By REUTERS
Published: May 3, 2011

"SEOUL — The Seoul police raided Google’s office here Tuesday on suspicion that its mobile advertising unit, AdMob, had illegally collected users’ location data without users’ consent, the police said" ...

"The investigation also highlights growing concerns about possible misuse of private information as the popularity of mobile devices like smartphones and tablet computers increases.

Information on users’ locations is viewed as crucial for the growing mobile advertising sector, as it helps personalize online ads according to individual preferences or geographical positions." ...

"Last month, Apple defended its use of iPhone location data but denied that it was tracking the movements of customers.

Google and Apple have been criticized by U.S. lawmakers over their protection and use of consumer data from cellphone applications, including where users are located." ...

This and more at:

NY Times - Google gets in trouble in Korea for collecting too much locational 'marketing' data

On the home front, today in the news:

"Google Inc.'s collection of location information from millions of mobile devices and personal computers is 'extremely valuable' to the company's future business, according to an email written by a Google product manager last year." and more at:

Google Calls Location Data 'Extremely Valuable'

 

[oregon]

Re: Technology use can compromise location & data

"A draft House bill with bipartisan support would prohibit companies from tracking children on the Internet without parental consent, restrict online marketing to minors and require an "Eraser Button" that would allow parents to eliminate kids' personal information already online."

"Under the proposed bill, online firms would be required to explain the types of personal information collected on children and how that information is used and disclosed. The bill also would require a "Digital Marketing Bill of Rights for Teens" that limits the collection of personal information of minors, including geolocation information."

House Releases 'Do Not Track' Bill

Most people do not want to be tracked online for 'marketing' reasons. Implementation would be interesting. Sometimes multiple people use one computer in a family situation. Not sure how they would monitor minors separate from the adult activities. Seems these government regulations put out by politicians could cost technology companies money to implement. Would be nice if we users are given the ability to delete all our history if ever desire to.

 

[oregon]

Re: Technology use can compromise location & data

04/22/11 - Google Responds To Smartphone Location Tracking Uproar, Says Android Is Opt-In

05/03/11 - Smartphones: The Tracking and Surveillance of Millions of Americans

Apple iOS 4.3.3 software, when installed in the iPhones, has been made to now delete the location data cache when the location-based services is turned off and no longer backs the cache up to a computer via iTunes:
05/05/11 - Apple Updates iPhone Software

05/10/11 - Senate Panel Grills Apple, Google Over Smartphone User's Privacy