I would have come at that from another angle -
MAC address identifies hardware and therefore probably a purchase/transaction and is also necessary in order to join a network.
IP is essentially a software configuration and will change, indeed is easier to do so.
I think if one argues that IP is PD then the MAC being so would also be the case. Particularly as the web logs which contain IP are comparable to the war driving logs which Google now possesses. The MAC information is actually easier to obtain in this regard. I couldn't, for example, obtain IP if I were not running a web site which the data subject visits. Whereas if I go to their house and they run an insecure network, I have a router MAC right there.
I'm also curious as to whether there's a public domain exemption on this Google data. The information, for me, is very much public already. They're merely compiling it.
Ian
-----Original Message-----
From: This list is for those interested in Data Protection issues on behalf of Roland Perry
Sent: Tue 01/06/2010 09:51
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [data-protection] Google has mapped every WiFi network in Britain
Other than engaging in a drive-by exercise, the MAC number is pretty
much secured by obscurity. Whereas an IP address appears in all sorts of
web logs (where it can in turn be associated with login credentials),
email or usenet headers, etc.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please consider the environment before printing this email.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This email and any attachments are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual to whom it is addressed. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Liverpool Community College or associated companies. You must not, directly or indirectly, use, disclose, distribute, print, or copy any part of this message if you are not the intended recipient.
The message content of in-coming emails is automatically scanned to identify Spam and viruses otherwise Liverpool Community College does not actively monitor content. However, sometimes it will be necessary for Liverpool Community College to access business communications during staff absence.
Liverpool Community College has taken steps to ensure that this email and any attachments are virus free. However, it is the responsibility of the recipient to ensure that it is virus free and no responsibility is accepted by Liverpool Community College for any loss or damage arising in any way from its use.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
All archives of messages are stored permanently and are
available to the world wide web community at large at
http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/data-protection.html
If you wish to leave this list please send the command
leave data-protection to [log in to unmask]
All user commands can be found at http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/help/commandref.htm
Any queries about sending or receiving messages please send to the list owner
[log in to unmask]
Full help Desk - please email [log in to unmask] describing your needs
To receive these emails in HTML format send the command:
SET data-protection HTML to [log in to unmask]
(all commands go to [log in to unmask] not the list please)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
|