4 ms·

Selling mass location data to the highest bidder is indeed extremely slimy and even a threat to "national security". But the fact that Google (or any centraliz

Selling mass location data to the highest bidder is indeed extremely slimy and even a threat to "national security". But the fact that Google (or any centralized entity) has aggregated so much detailed information on billions of people's personal lives is itself a threat to global/national security. What happens when that data is hacked/leaked and then sold to the highest bidder (who isn't interested in advertising)? That data could be easily weaponized for a shocking/devastating attack the likes of which we have not seen since the first atomic bomb.

jklinger410 8y ago
I agree. I also think we have no idea what hardware manufacturers do, or what is happening with the main cables that the 5 eyes is tapping into. Or what types of high level subpoenas and so-on have been served to Google, that they have acquiesced. It really is a ticking time bomb.
- linsomniac 8y ago
  Part of my judgement about them being good stewards of the data is past reports of them encrypting all their in-flight data when they found evidence of NSA tapping of long-haul cables, and their using lawyers to push back on information requests that did not go through due process. https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2013/11/googlers-say-f-you-to-nsa-company-encrypts-internal-network/ https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2013/11/googl...
  - jklinger410 8y ago
    I had not seen this article. Thanks for sharing.
linsomniac 8y ago
Are you familiar with the design of the Google systems WRT securing this data? Based on the revelations Snowden was able to do, and a similar level of familiarity with Google's security measures, it sounds like Google even has the NSA beat as far as keeping data secure. In short: Even the people doing OS and hardware level maintenance of the machines in question don't have access to this data. But I'm on the outside looking in, someone with more hands on can probably provide more details.
- 50656E6973 8y ago
  >Even the people doing OS and hardware level maintenance of the machines in question don't have access to this data. Are you implying Google can't access their own data? 100% security is a dangerous myth. No internet connected system is impervious to hackers.

jklinger410 8y ago

I agree. I also think we have no idea what hardware manufacturers do, or what is happening with the main cables that the 5 eyes is tapping into. Or what types of high level subpoenas and so-on have been served to Google, that they have acquiesced. It really is a ticking time bomb.

linsomniac 8y ago
Part of my judgement about them being good stewards of the data is past reports of them encrypting all their in-flight data when they found evidence of NSA tapping of long-haul cables, and their using lawyers to push back on information requests that did not go through due process. https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2013/11/googlers-say-f-you-to-nsa-company-encrypts-internal-network/ https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2013/11/googl...
- jklinger410 8y ago
  I had not seen this article. Thanks for sharing.

linsomniac 8y ago

Are you familiar with the design of the Google systems WRT securing this data? Based on the revelations Snowden was able to do, and a similar level of familiarity with Google's security measures, it sounds like Google even has the NSA beat as far as keeping data secure. In short: Even the people doing OS and hardware level maintenance of the machines in question don't have access to this data. But I'm on the outside looking in, someone with more hands on can probably provide more details.

50656E6973 8y ago
>Even the people doing OS and hardware level maintenance of the machines in question don't have access to this data. Are you implying Google can't access their own data? 100% security is a dangerous myth. No internet connected system is impervious to hackers.