As a way to improve location based services for applications like Google Maps, Google started implementing WIFI positioning. WIFI positioning uses nearby WIFI access points to help triangulate the location of a user’s device. Some of these include devices we use everyday, such as iPhones, iPads, Kindles, tablets, and laptops. I assure you, the list goes on and on.

WIFI positioning was implemented to help locate devices where GPS and cell tower signals are weak. In order for WIFI positioning to work Google needs to collect the SSID and MAC address of any broadcasting Access Point. This information is collected using Google Street View vehicles that drive around taking pictures for Google maps.

In theory this sounds like a good idea, and it can help applications better pinpoint the location of user devices. WIFI positioning was not a big deal until Google confirmed it was mistakenly collecting payload data from Open WIFI access points with their... read more >