In the digital age, most assume that Big Brother is watching to a certain extent, but there is still an expectation of some privacy. As most people’s identities are increasingly connected to technology, privacy and data protection becomes more and more important; and more and more elusive, in light of Edward Snowden’s NSA leaks. Now, Wi-Fi passwords aren’t as safe as once believed, as reports suggest that Google is privy to every Wi-Fi password that Android users have accessed. As reported by computerworld.com:
“If an Android device (phone or tablet) has ever logged on to a particular Wi-Fi network, then Google probably knows the Wi-Fi password. Considering how many Android devices there are, it is likely that Google can access most Wi-Fi passwords worldwide.”
It’s important to note that this includes not only Android users’ primary Wifi networks—but every network that they’ve ever accessed. This means that even if you aren’t an Android user, but allowed a user access to your network: Your network has been compromised.
Of course, trusting Google with your information is one thing, but as an American company they can also be asked by the federal government to disclose information. According to huffingtonpost.com:
“The news comes at a time when Internet users are becoming unusually sensitive about the privacy of their personal data. In April, a Google transparency report said the government is asking the company for more data than ever before. This latest development leaves a key question without a clear answer: Would Google need to hand over these passwords if the government came calling?”
The sheer amount of data that the government may have on its citizens should awaken more outrage. Recently, one claim of government spying has been shared with the public. Yet based on the history of this government: Do you trust Big Brother with this much power over your personal information?
