Germany, WiFi, and Google
May 19, 2010
A happy quack to the reader who alerted me to a write up by Peter Schaar, whom I believe is the German Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Information. You can read the original “Google erfasst „versehentlich“ Inhalte der WLAN-Kommunikation” at this link. If you prefer your German courtesy of the Google, Google Translate will happily oblige.
Amidst the festivities for Google I/O, the pesky bleatings of the Old Country are not likely to be heard by most of the Google fanatics. I listened, and I wanted to highlight three of the points made by Mr. Schaar, who does have his own fans in a region that befuddled some of the Roman emperors long ago.
First, he makes clear that Google is using a method of explanation that echoes what a parent says about an errant teen. Doesn’t work too well for the parent, and if I understand Mr. Schaar, the “shoot, it was a goof” doesn’t work to well in Germany.
Second, inspection revealed that some of the gizmos used to Hoover data during a Google drive around geospatial photo session were missing. Routine procedure. Coincidental? Some folks have lots of luck. Not the German’s day apparently.
Finally, what other surprises may yet be discovered if German authorities can get the information required to conduct an investigation.
Bottom line: I/O is a happy event. The shadow of a giant smiley face may not reach to Germany and Mr. Schaar. Just my opinion.
Stephen E Arnold, May 19, 2010
Freebie.
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