Bored inspiration on the bus.. Need a beer..
At the risk of sounding slightly perverted, as a keen photographer I see a strong similarity between Google grabbing extra information while recording Wi-Fi data and a photographer using an IR filter while photographing public areas, with the analogy seeming stronger and stronger the more I think about it.
The analogy will become clear as I explain.
A bit of background info that I'm sure many of you techies will be aware of: High frequency EM waves are able to pass through some materials where lower frequency waves cannot - think high frequency T-waves in airport scanners being at one extreme, able to pass through clothing where the relatively lower frequency 'visible light' part of the spectrum cannot.
To a lesser extent, a similar effect can be observed using the infra-red range - using an IR filter (to exclude non-IR/near IR) it is possible to 'see through' some fabrics. This is where the 'perverted' comes into play..
How I imagine the analogy to play out:
A1 - Google goes out intending to capture SSID+MAC info using equipment that allows inspection of non-normally accessible forms of communication (ie, you need equipment to be able to 'listen in on' a wi-fi stream of data)
B1 - Photographer goes out intending to capture photographs in funky colours using equipment that allows inspection of non-normally viewable wavelengths of light
A2 - Assuming innocence, Google is unaware of collecting extra data from passing networks secured+insecure that wasn't initially wanted (eg, it happens that all wifi signals are encrypted in the testing area and other cases just weren't expected or considered thus werent tested)
B2 - Assuming innocence, the Photographer collects photos that happen to have passing ladies and gentlemen wearing relatively thin clothes and it happens that more 'image data' ** was collected than initially wanted (eg, the filter was tested in winter when thicker clothes were worn and other cases just weren't considered or thought about or expected, thus weren't tested for)
A3 - Google continues as normal, ignorant of what is being stored.. maybe it was noticed at some point and maybe it was looked at in more detail or used, but its just easier to claim ignorance than fix what has been collected and less embarrasing if the error of collecting more than intended is never reported
B3 - the Photographer continues as normal, ignorant of what is being stored.. maybe it was noticed at some point and maybe it was looked at in more detail or used, but its just easier to claim ignorance than fix what has been collected and less embarrasing if the error of collecting more than intended is never reported
A4 - Germany says 'can I look at your data pls?' Google obliges, saying 'sure, theres nothing questionable there + Ive got nothing to hide'
B4 - A friend of the Photographer asks 'can I look at your photos pls?' and the Photographer obliges, saying 'sure, theres nothing questionable there + Ive got nothing to hide'
A5 - Germany notices extra data that shouldn't be there and publicly embarrasses and points a finger at Google.. Google publicly states that they didn't know about it as they didn't look at it once it had been transferred to the data centre but makes assurances that its only minor issues
B5 - the friend notices that in many of the photos there are people with thick clothes on and you can just see faces etc but also many that have thin (now see-through) clothes on.. The 'friend' then publicly embarrasses and points a finger at the Photographer.. The Photographer then publicly states that they didn't know about it as they didn't look at it once it had been transferred to the NAS box, but makes assurances that its only a minor issue***
A6 - Upon further inspection Google finds out that in fact they did do bad and store more than intended and contacts the countries for advice.. In many instances the data is deleted straight away at the request of the affected parties
B6 - Upon further inspection the Photographer finds out that in fact they did do bad and store more than intended and contacts the people in the photos for advice****.. In many instances the photos are deleted straight away at the request of the affected parties
A7 - When the other countries hear about it, they're a bit more concerned and say 'hold on, I want to find out exactly what it is you have stored and whether you've broken any of our laws - I want to know if youve acted criminally or if it was a mistake..'
B7 - When the other people hear about it, they're a bit more concerned and say 'hold on, I want to find out exactly what it is you have stored and exactly how much trust youve broken - I want to know if youve been a pervert or if it was a mistake..'
A8 - After so many mixed messages, Google decides to hold onto everything for now and let the people make their own decision rather than delete it all and face problems later with loss of trust because countries couldn't check it and make up their own mind
B8 - After so many mixed messages, the Photographer decides to hold onto everything for now and let the people make their own decision rather than delete it all and face problems later with loss of trust because individuals couldn't check it and make up their own mind
A9 - The situation drags on for months and months and as much as Google would like to keep the data and use it, it wants to get rid and have it all in the past rather than have it drag on
B9 The situation drags on for months and months and as much as the Photographer would like to keep the data and 'use' it, it wants to get rid and have it all in the past rather than have it drag on..
A10 - Google publicly states that they want to get rid of the data - after all we are not using it and have no need for it..
B10 - the Photographer publicly states that they want to get rid of the data - after all we are not using it and have no need for it..
A11 - Skeptics and conspiracy theorists continue to think and publicly worry that maybe Google is bad they should be stopped
B11 - Skeptics and conspiracy theorists continue to think and publicly worry that maybe the Photographer is bad and a pervert who should be stopped
A12 - Ignorant people who continue to not read up on the topic (or even just the comments on the current post where it is explained multiple times that it is to collect SSID+MAC addresses for the 'innocent'***** purpose of geolocation assistance) continue to post messages along the lines of 'they were just collecting streetview data, why have the equipment (wifi reciever+setup) if not for nefarious purposes zomgwtfbanana?!'
B12 - Ignorant people who continue to not read up on the topic (or even just the comments on the current post where it is explained multiple times that it is to take photos with odd/beautiful changes to the hues etc) continue to post messages along the lines of 'they were just taking photos, why have the equipment (IR filter+camera+memory card) if not for nefarious purposes zomgwtfbanana?!'
A13 - More ignorant people continue to post on these forums stating 'if you did not want anyone to listen to the secret part of your signal (the payload, not incl the header info-MAC/SSID etc), you should encrypt/hide the signal'.. or if you want it all hidden, take it somewhere that noone can else can pick up the signal - put yourself inside a faraday cage perhaps, with a single ethernet leading from the wireless router in there with you..
B13 - More ignorant people continue to post on these forums stating 'if you did not want the light that is reflecting off your body through your clothes seen, you should wear more layers/hide yourself'.. or if you want all of the light reflecting hidden, take yourself somewhere that there is no light - put yourself in the Fridge with the door closed perhaps ******
A/B14 - My bus journey comes to an end and I get bored of narrating further.. ;)
I'm sure I've missed stuff out (disclaimer: I've only read the info here at the Register in passing) but I'm sure that parallels can be drawn for the majority, if not all, of the timescale.. There's enough here for you to get the point anyway.. Now I need a beer ;)
+ktnxbai!
** - by 'extra image data', frankly, I mean a photo that shows what a person has under their thin/white/sheer top. Yes this can mean boobs.
*** - this is perhaps the most tenuous part
**** - yes, another unlikely part but please just go along with it for the moment..
***** - I'm not sure what I believe with respect to Google's actual innocence just yet, though the above narrative is presuming innocence in an example that could *very* easily be reversed..
****** - Okay, yes I made that last half up.. Gotta rush.. It begs the question of whether the light is *actually* off when you close the door though - maybe we should go check anyway =]
Extra disclaimer:: This has only been *very* briefly proofread for obvious typos and the such.. Can't expect it all to be coherent this early in the morning ;)