Microsoft Locks Down Its Location Tracking Database

After Microsoft’s database of publicly accessible Wi-Fi locations was exposed, they’ve heeded the criticisms and decided to make the information a bit less accessible.

According to CNET’s Declan McCullagh, Microsoft tweaked the Live.com location services API so that it no longer allows someone to enter in a MAC address and receive a precise geographical location. Furthermore, Cnet got Windows Phone program manager to issue the following statement:

This change adds improved filtering to validate each request so that the service will no longer return an inferred position when a single Media Access Control address is submitted. While it was not possible to use the service to track a roaming mobile phone or laptop using its MAC address prior to this change, Microsoft is keenly aware of the sensitivity around all privacy issues, especially those surrounding geolocation…

GREAT, except that CNET totally found the service tracking roaming devices. Microsoft better hope they don’t end up in the same shitstorm Google did. [Cnet via Slashdot]

Image: Declan McCullagh/CNET


The Cheapest NBN 50 Plans

It’s the most popular NBN speed in Australia for a reason. Here are the cheapest plans available.

At Gizmodo, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. We have affiliate and advertising partnerships, which means we may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. BTW – prices are accurate and items in stock at the time of posting.