Miles Associates LLC

Google has been “accidentally” collecting wi-fi data, but not if it was encrypted.

Google is facing scrutiny and investigation around the world following revelations that it has been capturing and archiving wi-fi data collected by its Google Street View vehicles that drive around capturing the image data used by the Street View service. It is questionable whether Google should have done that, but what is not questionable is whether or not Google should have any data from your wi-fi network.

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While it may seem like an invasion of privacy–and in some countries or jurisdictions it may very well be–it is not necessarily against the law here in the United States. Frankly, there is no reasonable expectation of privacy for data that you willingly broadcast unencrypted into public airwaves.

via http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/052110-does-google-have-wi-fi-data.html.

When you’re traveling this holiday season, you can enjoy free WiFi at 47 participating airports and on every Virgin America flight. Just bring a WiFi-enabled laptop or mobile device and stay connected to family and friends for free while you travel now through January 15, 2010.

via Free WiFi – A 2009-2010 Holiday Gift from Google.