PC World published this story about Google's "inadvertent" collection of private data using it's Google Street View vehicles.
The tactic is known as wardriving. The heart or concept of wardriving, is to use your vehicle to search for "open" WiFi networks, then using the network connection to gather private information.
I never really thought about how common open wireless networks were, until I took my iPod Touch around Oklahoma City with me. Amazingly, between public places (such as McDonalds and Libraries), and "public" private places (such as private homes), I could keep an active internet connection for most of the trip from downtown to my house in NW Oklahoma City.
The problem is, as I've discussed before, it's illegal, at least in Oklahoma, to use an open private connection without permission.
So, did Google commit a crime if it collected Oklahomans' private data? My guess is yes. However, discovering whether the search giant obtained your private data is next to impossible. What is important though is to remember: be diligent about computer security.
As wireless networks become the standard, and not the exception, in most homes and businesses, it's important to consult with the proper technicians regarding your computer security.