Demaestro - 2:11 pm on May 19, 2010 (gmt 0)

They were also capturing data on those networks such as e-mails and details about which websites a person had visited. That goes beyond just innocently mapping WiFi hotspots.

I admittedly missed that. I only read the article linked in the OP which doesn't mention that.

I do not think that is ok. But I still hold the opinion that users need to take some responsibility for their own privacy and networks.

I'm sure you approve of laws such as consumer food labelling laws, truth in lending, Fair Credit Reporting Act, etc. This is all stuff people should know, right? It's all in writing when they sign the loan, get a credit card, etc. All these laws are based upon protecting people from well, yeah, what they should know (it's all there in writing! Read it!)

Of course I support the laws requiring labels and transparency. Like food, routers have labels and warnings and my sympathy level drops if you ignore all that. It is all there in writing. All you have to do is take the time and read it.

We are still talking about the average consumer

If the average consumer can't bother to read then I can't feel sorry for them. Maybe I am a huge cynical jerk but don't buy it or use it if you can't be bothered to learn how, especially when the damage done can be so great. Wireless networks aren't a right, if you want one you need to know the dangers and you need to take steps to prevent them.

To expect that the government is going to protect me from everything bad while I have my head buried in the sand is a not the way I see the world.