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Microsoft admits that Windows Phone 7 collects location data
SOFTWARE OUTFIT Microsoft has admitted that Windows Phone 7 (WP7) tracks users' locations.
With concern growing over revelations that all of the major mobile operating systems, including Apple's IOS, Google's Android and Microsoft's Windows Phone 7, collect location data, Microsoft has released an FAQ about the issue.
Microsoft revealed that it collects data such as the BSSID, which is the MAC address of the device, the signal strength, the radio type, and if GPS is available it also logs latitude, longitude, direction and speed.
However, the company said it does not collect information sent over private, non-protected wireless networks, otherwise known as payload data. It said that its software specifically only picks up publicly broadcast data from WiFi access points and that packets sent over encrypted or unencrypted networks remain safe from its location tracking.
It also reassured customers that it does not collect emails, passwords or similar information from open networks, a mistake Google made with its Streetview cars, and that it is not intending to map unencrypted WiFi networks. It also does not monitor devices connected to access points, nor the SSID name of an access point, which could reveal the identiy of the user since many people name their networks with personal information.
For the information it does collect, Microsoft said that it does not share the data with mobile operators.
Microsoft also stressed that users can turn off this location tracking feature. Both location services and WiFi access are needed for Microsoft to collect location information, but this can be easily switched off in WP7 settings. Users need to do so in both the Search and Location areas.
Many of these questions are likely to be similar to those asked by US lawmakers recently as they probe Microsoft and a number of other companies about their location tracking policies. The fact that Microsoft is publishing the information for all to see might go down well with investigators, as the company apparently is tackling the problem head on. µ
Tags: Microsoft
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The problem is simple : one must conclude that ALL GPS-enabled phones are being tracked not only by the telephone operator but also by the OS maker and probably also by any third-party GPS-enabled software that you may have loaded.
The only company that actually requires that data is the telephone operator - and they only need it while your phone is on.
As soon as you switch off, they have no more need of that location data and should erase it.
As for all the rest, not only do they not need the information, they are skimming it from you without your consent, therefor illegally. I believe there is a law about stalking, and this falls squarely into that category.
Sorry, but I do not intend to "get used to it", ever. At least, not while I am in a country where privacy laws are still in my favor.
Since GPS was created by the U.S. government, nothing should surprise you that ANY wireless device from a cell phone could collect or maintain data. It is not all bad but always leaves question of misuse and tracking. Big brother is everywhere whether you use a social security number, drive a vehicle, rent a hotel or motel, use a debit or credit card or have packages shipped to your location, ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING has some sort of location data stored on you. Get used to it. Nothing about that will ever really change. Life goes on.
Surely this stupid companies are following the apple mobile bandwagon.
What ever happened to stand alone gps programs. You want traffic, you load it, you want gps then turn it on. It should not be enabled by default. It should also not have to rely on internet!
Why should a phone be linked with a damn account!!! Thanks to their stupid app stores, its more difficult to download stand alone apk, unless you do it from home with utorrent.
Stupid apple, Google, and Microsoft.
I knew i made a good choice a while a go to scroogle, and use opera. Individuals information is more valuable than the advertizing.
Cant wait for an anonymous android build, and hopefully soon.
Looks like the collect the information temporarily and do NOT store in on the phone. This would to be to provie the Bing Search engne with the info needed to give the user accurate data and searches nearby.
The other phone is the one that logs all data and leaves it on th phone for later access for years. Oh and it doesnt allow you to turn off the location service.