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Google Seeks to Patent Scheme to Use Street View Data to Identify Internet Users

In a pending patent application, Google describes its plans for using wireless data, some captured by its Street View vehicles, to identify and link users to their geographical location. In the application, Google explains how it would verify a user's identity by sending the user a "challenge" based on the user's geographic location. Wi-Fi data collection is critical for this patent application. Google had previously denied that it would link Wi-Fi data to particular users, and omitted any mention of user identification from its statement regarding its Street View Wi-Fi data collection. For more information, see Google: Street View.


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