Thursday, December 11, 2014

Spying on Tourists?

Visitors to Japan often complain about lack of free wi-fi (see links to stories here & here). Most residents subscribe to paid nationwide access systems; wi-fi access for short-term visitors is poor, often nonexistent (pay-as-you-go SIM cards are also strictly controlled).

But major provider Wi2 will offer an app allowing "free" access.

One BIG caveat:
"Wi2 said the Travel Japan Wi-Fi app will also collect information on user habits, such as GPS records of their travels, so the activity can be analyzed and used to focus tourist marketing strategies." (link)

Will your data be properly used? Can they securely protect all your data, after tracking your movements and habits? Costly free wi-fi?
Bad...