Ibrahim,
As you are probably aware this is not too dissimilar to an issue reported at http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/198667/google_wifi_data_capture_unethical_but_not_illegal.html and
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-10850875 amongst many others.
The suggestion is that this is an information security issue. If you do not protect wireless transmission, you carry the risk.
I have no opinion either way but my wireless router is secured to only accept pre-defined mac addresses and is further secured using other methods.
Paul
-----Original Message-----
From: This list is for those interested in Data Protection issues [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Ibrahim Hasan
Sent: 13 September 2010 10:44
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [data-protection] Capturing Mac Addresses
Someone has asked a question on my forum:
http://www.informationlaw.org.uk/userimages/forum.htm
What are your thoughts on an individual driving around and capturing the MAC addresses of devices and routers that are wifi-enabled as well as the respective GPS coordinates in England & Wales? Likewise, what are your thoughts on a public authority (governed by RIPA) doing this? Similarly, would ECHR (Right to Privacy) have any burden on this activity? I have read through Part I of RIPA and I'm undecided if this is applicable or not.
I think this is DP issue not a RIPA (partly because of what Chris says on his blog) one. I would be interested to hear colleagues' views.
Thanks
Ibrahim
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