Google Street View Accused of 'Spying'

Personally I prefer Bing over Google...... it allows you to ask a more specific question, and the amounts of choices that you get back are FAR less than the ones you have to sift through if you utilize Google.

If a person leaves their home wifi unsecured, then that is just crazy. It's like leaving your front door unlocked and a set of your keys hanging in the lock. It is just irresponsible.

So Google is at fault because people failed to read the warnings and instructions that come with their WiFi system and properly secure it? What about the companies who make the WiFi locator/detection hardware/software and sell it to the public? Anyone may purchase it, and it is not even expensive.

Granted, Google is one of those corporations that some people love to hate and bash, but they didn't create the problem, and seem to be responding in a responsible way to address the issue.

I bet the NSA is drooling at the possibilties..., oh wait, they are probably already accessing the data and monitoring....

Ok these are wireless networks they're talking about. They're not tethered. So what about cell phones, does that work the same way? If you get rid of your landline - which is a physical line through the phone company that you need a judge's order to wiretap, and replace it with a cell phone, does this mean that all your conversations are free to listen in on and record?

Unsecured networks don't seem much different than the old, non-encrypted two-party telephone line. If the third party has the device to receive the information, whether it be a telephone handset for a telephone conversation on a non-encrypted two-party line, or a computer with network capability receiving unencrypted data transmissions in the case of a non-encrypted network, then it is public information to me, and the privacy issue rests with the sender, and nothing illegal was done. Now, if we're talking about software that was used to decipher an encryption key, then break into the security encrypted network, then we're talking criminal, as in Watergate. What's criminal about having devices to receive unsecure transmitted information, whether it be voice or data ?? The stupidity and ignorance of her technology rests with Congresswoman Jane Harman, and NOT Google. How many other passers-by also collected the unsecure, free-flying data out of Jane Harman's home??

And today we find out that members of Congress and perhaps numerous other government officials have been using unsecured wireless home computer networks that are subject to streetside hacking.....and we learn this soon after captured spies are whisked back to Mother Russia.....but that's just a coincidence.

Google is a tool and a powerful one. Punch in a few words and millions of entries are checked to bring you the most pertinent and complete list of associated information for your search. It takes the world and lays it at your fingertips. If you do not want information to become a resource, then protect it. You cannot have your cake and eat it to. I would far rather have Google find the sloppy open networks of our leaders than those ten Russian Spys! To leave a sensitive wi-fi wide open is purely irresponsible. Google did us a favor.. it just pointed out HUGE vulnerability in our security by someone who should know better (or care more). To openly broadcast it to anyone and everyone who cares to look... unforgivable. Might just have well transmitted it on a C.B. radio. Call a tech!.. It would take ten minutes and a pen to jot down some numbers to encrypt that home system. Blaming Google is a joke.

Open networks are just like hanging one's laundry out the window. Any passerby has the right to see it and photograph it, i.e., record it.

Closed or encrypted networks are another thing, altogether. They are like a locked door. What is inside that door is presumed to be private. Breaking the firewall/encryption is the same as breaking the door. Both are criminal acts.

So anyone "war driving", including, Google, has the right to view and record all the dirty laundry folks hang out of their electronic abodes. But no one has the right to steal it when the owner has endeavored to keep it private.

If Google has attempted to steal concealed information, they are in the wrong. If not, it's a non-issue.

Better yet, everyone should learn how to lock the electronic door to their digital homes. Even if they use poor method, it still demonstrates a desire for privacy and taking the data becomes theft.

Isn't it MORE of an issue, that a Congresswoman who heads the intelligence sub committee for the House's Homeland Security Committee, is apparently stupid enough that she has has an open home network that could have leaked out vital information that could have been picked up by Street View vehicles?????

just goes to show, people have a good thing going until they get greedy then end up with nothing