How companies use Wi-Fi to track you (roundup)

The way tech companies such as Google, Apple, and Microsoft collect and use geolocation tracking information has come under scrutiny in recent months out of potential privacy concerns.

CNET News staff

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CNET News staff

Sept. 1, 2011 12:35 a.m. PT

3 min read

The way tech companies such as Google, Apple, and Microsoft collect and use geolocation tracking information has come under scrutiny in recent months out of potential privacy concerns.

Microsoft collects phone location data without permission, says researcher

Samy Kamkar, hired by class action law firm, says he's found an example of a Windows Phone 7 app transmitting latitude and longitude even if the user says "no."
(Posted in Privacy Inc. by Declan McCullagh)
September 1, 2011 12:24 AM PDT

Microsoft curbs Wi-Fi location database

The company restricts access to a Live.com geolocation tool linking Wi-Fi devices with locations after a CNET article draws attention to privacy concerns.
(Posted in Privacy Inc. by Declan McCullagh)
August 1, 2011 12:38 PM PDT

Scoop: Microsoft's Web map exposes phone, PC locations

Microsoft collects and publishes the locations of laptops, phones, and other Wi-Fi devices without taking the privacy precautions that Google and Skyhook Wireless have, CNET has learned.
• Researcher exposes Microsoft's Wi-Fi database
(Posted in Privacy Inc. by Declan McCullagh)
July 29, 2011 12:00 AM PDT

Researchers probe Google's geolocation database

Google curbed access to its massive database of Wi-Fi locations after a CNET article appeared, but that hasn't stopped security analysts from trying to figure out how it works.
(Posted in Privacy Inc. by Declan McCullagh)
July 27, 2011 10:53 AM PDT

Scoop: Street View cars grabbed locations of phones, PCs

Google's Street View cars collected the locations of millions of laptops, cell phones, printers, and other Wi-Fi devices around the world, CNET has learned.
(Posted in Privacy Inc. by Declan McCullagh)
July 25, 2011 12:14 AM PDT

Google curbs Web map exposing phone locations

Google limits access to geolocation database linking Wi-Fi devices with physical locations after a CNET article highlights potential privacy concerns.
(Posted in Privacy Inc. by Declan McCullagh)
June 27, 2011 4:00 AM PDT

Geo-privacy bills aim to curb warrantless tracking

Long-awaited measures from Sen. Ron Wyden and Rep. Jason Chaffetz intend to set ground rules for monitoring the locations of cars or mobile devices.
(Posted in Privacy Inc. by Declan McCullagh)
June 15, 2011 4:19 PM PDT

Exclusive: Google's Web mapping can track your phone

Google and Skyhook Wireless may have records of the physical location of your computers or mobile devices, CNET has learned.
(Posted in Privacy Inc. by Declan McCullagh)
June 15, 2011 4:00 AM PDT

Apple: We'll fix iPhone tracking 'bug'

The iPhone maker breaks its silence and says an iOS update coming soon will address a location-tracking furor involving a "crowd-sourced Wi-Fi hotspot and cell tower database."
(Posted in Signal Strength by Marguerite Reardon)
April 27, 2011 6:24 AM PDT

Microsoft collects locations of Windows phone users

Windows Phone 7 transmits a "unique device ID" to Microsoft with GPS-derived location data, similar to Google and Apple. But no location history is stored on the phone.
(Posted in Privacy Inc. by Declan McCullagh)
April 25, 2011 10:30 PM PDT

Android data tied to users? Some say yes

Google says its collection of location information from Android devices isn't "traceable" to a particular individual, a narrow claim that's already attracting criticism.
(Posted in Privacy Inc. by Declan McCullagh)
April 22, 2011 7:08 PM PDT