How to Opt Out of Google's Wi-Fi Network Mapping

Page 2 - Seeking answers? Join the Tom's Hardware community: where nearly two million members share solutions and discuss the latest tech.
Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
Status
Not open for further replies.
This is Bullcrap!

I and everyone else have to OPT out of these google jerks going down the street and INVADING our homes?! Street view and such is fine and helpful. Its outside, public roads - fine.

But NOT we MUST change OUR systems to SUIT google's needs?!

Does anyone else smell a lawsuit coming?

How about this. For those who WANT their wifi mapped to Google.... they PUT "_google" in their SSID. Yeah, that is so much simpler... no chance for a law suit.
 
Wow lots of negative posts. I personally wont opt out. It is surprisingly useful my phone knowing where i am just based on nearby WiFi connections. Trying to get Navigation working when GPS cant get a fix. Not as accurate, but better than walking in the dark.

Yes it is ridiculous, but if people need to learn to change their SSID, they might learn how to secure their wifi network.
 
Parabolic satellite dish + magnetron from a microwave oven + sheet metal housing so I don't sterilize myself...

Yeah, come here, Google StreetMap car. I have a 2.4GHz signal for you. 1000 watts with 24db of forward gain, just so you can hear me better. Too bad about your equipment. Too bad about your driver.
 
Begs the question, can we change/append our last name to _leavemealonegoogle ??
With that will they stop collecting every last bit of information out of me that they can?!

I am really getting sick of Google. Almost to the point of getting the warm fuzzies thinking about Apple or Mircrosoft... they're closing in on Enron.

Maybe just tag _NoGoogle on my email, name, and usernames, passwords and everything else. Start a zip code and phone extension for Google-free privacy. /rant
 
[citation][nom]anti-painkilla[/nom]Yes it is ridiculous, but if people need to learn to change their SSID, they might learn how to secure their wifi network.[/citation]

This is about "CAN I change" the SSID, it's why does Google get to decide I SHOULD change it. As noted, this is not about security, it is about 1 company deciding every wireless AP in the nation should be modified to their taste, to opt out of their privacy intrusion.
 
In addition to the privacy and extra work issues already mentioned:
1. ISPs are likely to say anyone who doesn't opt out is violating their terms
and conditions.
2. Government agencies may say if you don't opt out you have given
then permission to look at your network
 
Seriously, I don't understand what all the fuss is about.
What's the difference between Google mapping what SSIDs are in my area and random people walking past with a wifi scanner?
They're not getting the encryption key, therefore not publishing it on the net.
Seriously people, Google are not 'invading your privacy' you're broadcasting your SSID, which is likely the same as at LEAST 100 other peoples SSIDs in the country if not thousands.
It's just an SSID FFS.
 
WOW. You people are amazing?! From all comments there are two main motifs:
1. Collecting wireless information should be illegal because exposes us to all bad guys! Really. It is illegal to breaking in to somebody's home, but that didn't stop any criminal so far. Why you think that making illegal to sniff wireless signals will stop anybody from doing it. In fact why don't tell the government to shutdown all 'listening stations'. At any moment you are in the range of AWACS alike plain or SAT with much more intrusive technology on board.
2. Finding where you leave based on your wireless connection?! It is much more easy to do so based on public records. In fact there is good reason why the property notes are public record. Unless you are using your SSN or your real name as SSID there is quite difficult match your SSID to your persona.

C'mon this is site for people, who understand technology. At least was....
 
but why do they need all the locations of access points? I can run to the local Mcdonald's or Starbucks if i really need internet. Just leave people's homes alone. I wouldn't want people leeching my internet if I didn't know how to turn off broadcasting.
 
Why does anyone care if someone has mapped out your network id? Even if you don't have encryption on it (which you should, you have no idea how many people I know who steal internet from their neighbors) someone has to be in close proximity to log on. It's like being able to see a satellite photo of your street... it doesn't invite robbers to suddenly descend on you.
 
[citation][nom]mark0718[/nom]In addition to the privacy and extra work issues already mentioned:1. ISPs are likely to say anyone who doesn't opt out is violating their terms and conditions. 2. Government agencies may say if you don't opt out you have given then permission to look at your network[/citation]

I think there already is an FCC rule that states if you transmit it, its legal to receive it. Its up to you to encrypt it if you want to transmit it and remain private.
 
I don't really see the big deal, people have to realize its not like Google is coming into your house, they are picking up a wireless single that you are broadcasting out of your home (private property) out onto the street (public property). Just as you the owner are responsible for securing your network, you should be responsible with configuring how you want that wireless signaling to interact with public access.

If this becomes common place, the router manufacturers will just include a check box to the firmware web interfaces to append _nomap to the SSID. If my 75 year old father can configure his wireless settings (and he can) then pretty much anyone can if they know how to read and follow directions.
 
This should be opt-in, not opt out. However, since my network is WPA2-AES secured with a randomly generated 16-character key, this isn't an issue, right? After all, I suppose things have to actually connect to use the network, right?
 
Wow I had no idea Google had the ability to spy on me. How is this even possible? I do have security on my router. I use WEP. Yes I know it's the weakest security, but I'm on 802.11g and I'm not worried about my neighbors hacking into my system. They aren't smart enough for that. Regardless, even if I do have some form of security on my router, how is this different than "Breaking in and Entering?"

I was about to buy a Google phone, too. Screw that. I think I trust Microsoft more, now, which is a scary thought.
 
[citation][nom]everygamer[/nom]I don't really see the big deal, people have to realize its not like Google is coming into your house, they are picking up a wireless single that you are broadcasting out of your home (private property) out onto the street (public property). Just as you the owner are responsible for securing your network, you should be responsible with configuring how you want that wireless signaling to interact with public access.[/citation]

Simple: Why the FUK should *I* or ANYONE have to rename their SSID networks to SUIT a company's needs?!

That *IS* kind of like you must OPT out of some jerk walking through your front door or taking your cell phone out of your hands to make a call.

Oh great, my computer scans a bunch of networks and then I have to see "_noscan" on everything?

Wait, did GOOGLE give notice to every single person in the USA or world that they were going to have to "opt" out of anything?! Yes, Google would have to legally mail and make reasonable contact with every single person with instructions on HOW to OPT-OUT from something that GOOGLE doesn't fracking need or anyone else.

Seriously, Google is about to get the crap sued out of them. And what MORON at Google came up with this idea and thought "yeah, everyone will love it!"? he should be thrown down an elevator shaft.

There are reasons things work in the world in certain ways. Do we HAVE to OPT out of Facebook? No, we don't. When a store asks for your phone number or ZIP code (I'm buying a $10 shirt!), they ask... its your choice to provide them that info. Or say NO and the ring you up and your off on your merry way.

Google... did you hire an idiot from HP or something?
 
Or you could not broadcast it.

I'm guessing if you "broadcast" something then your letting anyone and everyone know, and if you do not broadcast a SSID then you are effectively telling everyone that you don't want them knowing.
 
Damn, my SSID is "free_internet!" and it doesn't look good as "free_internet!_noscan". I could turn off the broadcast, but half the fun is in seeing the "free_internet!" out there. :)

Perhaps it would be better as an opt-in service. What about when Microsoft decides to copy Google, except that they'll want "_nodetect" as the suffix.

Hmm... That one post about setting up fake APs seems rather attractive. :)
 
This may or may not cause any privacy issues; I don't even want argue this point. But I do want to say: This sets a very dangerous precedence! To have to opt out of something in which you have no prior agreement with? Making you be the one that needs to be aware; needing you to do ANYTHING at all if you DON'T want something done, or tracked that you own in your own house is messed up! This is totally messed up.
 
[citation][nom]gadiantian[/nom]This may or may not cause any privacy issues; I don't even want argue this point. But I do want to say: This sets a very dangerous precedence! To have to opt out of something in which you have no prior agreement with? Making you be the one that needs to be aware; needing you to do ANYTHING at all if you DON'T want something done, or tracked that you own in your own house is messed up! This is totally messed up.[/citation]
Agree 100%! I guess that's Google though. I thought they were a little screwy when they decided to disobey Microsoft's OS model by installing the application Chrome into user directories, but I guess they felt they needed to set some more crazy precedents. It is rather unsettling, especially if and when more companies do the same.
 
[citation][nom]internetlad[/nom]moving past the whole "invasion of privacy" deal, i have just one question.Why?What the hell good will this do to ANYBODY to know where the wifi spots are?And even if the answer is "to find somebody else's wireless internet" then don't you need to be on the 'net in the first place to access this?Stupid and useless, at least streetview made sense.[/citation]

I can see the benefit of this. For example Orange offer 2GB of BTOpenzone in its panther contracts which have only 1GB data. BT allow users to set their hub up as BTOpenzone in return you get access to Openzone hotspots and data comes from your broadband package rather than paying for a separate package. While BT do map their Openzone hotspots pretty well, I can see how maping hotspots would be useful especially for mobile phone users.
 
seriously guys, you're all over reacting. acctualy you're being dumb. they are already doing this, they are just giving you a way to opt out. all its used for is to help with locating on maps if your gps is off or can't lock. its not an invasion of privacy. anyone close enough to have your wifi used to help find their location can just use their wifi to actually SEE your SSID. nothing links the ssid to you. if you don't want people to see your SSID then DON'T BROADCAST IT.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom