Microsoft opens up on Wi-Fi data collection by publishing source code

Microsoft has published some of the source code found in the software it uses to collect Wi-Fi access point data, in an effort to reassure users and regulators that its location-based services conform to privacy standards.

Reid Kuhn, partner group programme manager on the Windows Phone Engineering team, explained in a blog post on Friday that the code comes from the firm's "managed driving data collection software".

"The source code demonstrates the type and amount of data we collect when surveying Wi-Fi access points through managed driving," he said.

"As we build the database used to provide location-based services for Windows Phone 7, we use vehicles to gather available data (what is commonly referred to as 'managed driving') by equipping the vehicle with mobile phones that survey Wi-Fi access points and cell tower locations."

Kuhn was at pains to point out that the code does not intercept payload data sent from users' machines.

"The code, developed by the Windows Phone Engineering team, uses publicly documented interfaces for accessing cell tower, Wi-Fi data access point and GPS data," he explained.

"In addition to collecting and uploading GPS, Wi-Fi and cell data, it also includes other management and administrative functions related to provisioning, self-upgrade, self-recovery and diagnostics."

The decision to go public with the code could be seen as a pre-emptive move to head off any lingering privacy concerns over location-based services.

Google got into trouble with the European Commission and numerous privacy regulators after its Street View cars collected sensitive Wi-Fi data.

UK privacy watchdog the Information Commissioner's Office declined not to bring action against Google, but a US judge has ruled that the company can now face legal action over the affair.