Google Admits to Collecting User Data over Unsecured WiFi Networks

By Ian Bell Published May 14, 2010

Google says it has scooped up snippets of people’s online activities broadcast over unprotected Wi-Fi networks during the past four years.

The admission made Friday is likely to raise more worries about potential privacy breaches as Google gathers volumes of personal information through its search engine and other services.

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Google picked up fragments of e-mails and Web addresses while its cars were photographing neighborhoods for the “Street View” feature on its mapping service.

The company says it only recently discovered it has accumulated about 600 gigabytes of data transmitted over public Wi-Fi networks in more than 30 countries. Google says none of the information has appeared in its search engine or other services.

Ian Bell

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Newegg is selling this WiFi 6 Gaming Router for half off — only $55

The WAVLINK AX3000 on a white background.

The unsung hero in anyone’s gaming setup is an awesome router. While in an ideal world you’d hardwire everything, that’s not always possible. Instead, buy something like the WAVLINK AX3000 Wi-Fi Router which is currently on sale at Newegg for just $55. Usually $110, you save 50% in one of the better router deals happening right now. With Wi-Fi 6 and plenty of other great features, this is the router you need to keep that ping low and enjoy a stable connection at all times.

Why you should buy the WAVLINK AX3000 Wi-Fi Router
Buying one of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers is a good way of ensuring faster speeds and a more reliable connection. With the WAVLINK AX3000 Wi-Fi Router and its Wi-Fi 6 technology, it promises up to three times faster speeds while also offering 30% lower power consumption and 75% lower latency compared to Wi-Fi 5.

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The TP-Link AC1200 dual-band Wi-Fi extender plugged in.

Are you having trouble in getting a stable Wi-Fi connection in certain parts of your home? Then you're going to want to buy something like the TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi extender, which is actually on sale right now from Amazon with a $27 discount. It's down to only $23, which is less than half of its original price of $50. This is a limited-time deal though -- we're not sure how much time is remaining on this chance to get the Wi-Fi extender at 54% off, but we don't think the offer will last long, so you better hurry in completing your purchase if you're interested.

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The TP-link AX1800 WiFi 6 USB Adapter in my PC.

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