[Script] WME Validator v2020.11.1 (PLACES BETA)

[SuperDave1426]

Fredo-p: Actually, all that did was just cause you to load the newer version, which he seems to have just put out. You can achieve the same effect by going to the extensions settings within Chrome and clicking on the "Update extensions now" button.

berestovskyy, thanks for the fast fix!

[SuperDave1426]

Filter by username is available only for Country Managers and only in that countries. Due to privacy concerns, there are no plans to change this nor implement any editor identification for custom checks.

With all due respect: What "privacy concerns???"

1. Most, if not the vast majority/all people editing (or even just logging into the Waze app) are using a pseudonym of some type, not their real name.
2. All you have to do is click on a given road segment and you can see who last edited it, so nothing is being hidden for "privacy concerns" there.
3. All such a filter does is help someone to see who's been editing a given set of roads, NOT where they live. Maybe they edit near where they live, but nothing in such a filtering specifically reveals that location.

So I fail to see how this type of filtering would be a privacy concern issue.

The lack of such a filtering feature isn't an issue for me (and there's another script I use which happily lets me filter based on editor name, so if I wanted to check who's been doing what in the area I manage, I can do so - I mention this just so you realize I have no vested interest in such a feature in the Validator), but I do have a hard time considering a filter that helps you to see who edited what as being any kind of valid privacy concern.

[SuperDave1426]

So I fail to see how this type of filtering would be a privacy concern issue.

Maybe I used the wrong term, but I would not like to see editors to lynch other editors using Validator.

Fair enough, I suppose (though I'm kind-of at a loss regarding editors "lynching" other editors). Although to me it seems like there's more value in being able to easily spot of someone is putting in bad edits - since the sooner those can be caught and corrected, the better for the map (and its users) overall...

[SuperDave1426]

All such a filter does is help someone to see who's been editing a given set of roads, NOT where they live.

Um actually about that... While there usually isn't enough information available directly in WME to determine where someone lives, it does provide a really large side-channel.

A large side-channel that still doesn't provide any specific information regarding exactly where someone lives.

Figure out where I live (more specifically than just what city) based on my edits and I'll send you a box of cookies.

[SuperDave1426]

Half a residential block close enough? Because that's how close info in WME can usually get you.

It's been a known issue for four years and unofficially discussed at each NA meet. It's not really something that can be solved either without hamstringing the community's ability to police the map under the current system of edits with no approval. It's not particularly high-priority issue either since editing is voluntary and a public activity.

I value my privacy (what little of it there is, these days), but half a residential block isn't something that would make me too terribly nervous for someone to figure out (I realize that others might not feel that way).

So, sure, I'll take you up on that. PM me if you think you've got it, with where you think it is. Just be sure that you're sure before you make the call - I'll only give one shot on it and I'm not going to play "if you guess wrong you get another chance." <grin> I'm curious to see if it can really be done just from looking at my map edits; if it works the way you seem to be implying that it does, you should be able to get there without playing "process of elimination" with me.

Oh, and if you do get it: Since the cookies are my treat, they're my choice (unless you truly hate the ones I pick out; I'll inform you ahead of time when I ask for where to ship them to, assuming you hit the mark).

Oh, one last item: Talking to my RC on the subject would be considered cheating and would thus invalidate the bet.

[SuperDave1426]

I value my privacy (what little of it there is, these days), but half a residential block isn't something that would make me too terribly nervous for someone to figure out (I realize that others might not feel that way).

So no concerns about someone sitting around to see who gets into a car with a phone mount?

Heck, someone can do that now, completely unrelated to Waze.

[SuperDave1426]

So no concerns about someone sitting around to see who gets into a car with a phone mount?

Heck, someone can do that now, completely unrelated to Waze.

Well yeah, but that's looking for just anyone, not a specific someone.

My point was that if someone was really going to be that determined to find a specific someone, there are ways other than Waze to get you close enough to do that. Maybe even closer.

The unfortunate fact of the matter is that any kind of real privacy, in this day and age, is pretty much reduced to myth status.

[SuperDave1426]

Why restrict "search for editor" to CMs? Edits to the road are a matter of public record - all you have to do is click on a road segment to see who edited it. I believe I saw a tweet a while back from @Waze or @WazeMapping that even said something to that effect (that edits were public record and there's no expectation that what you edit will be private).

Given that most people here area using some kind of pseudonym and not their real name, I see even less of a "privacy" issue, but that's another topic, I suppose....

Area Managers (and I'm not saying this because I am one) could benefit a lot from this, especially when they're working with a new editor and want to make sure that good edits (which should be the priority here) are being made....

Edit: I found the tweet I was thinking of here. Public activity = no expectations of privacy. Just for the record.

[SuperDave1426]

Yea, I use that feature in Highlights upon occasion. Thank you for being reasonable about the restriction level.

[SuperDave1426]

The "Updated by" feature was implemented months ago and we agreed that it's for country managers only.

Who's "we?" Country Managers?

I still think I have a valid point that should be considered. But you're the writer of the extension, so if you don't want to implement or even consider it, there's really nothing anyone can do to compel you to make such a change or revisit the decision.

@sketch: An activity done in public (aka Public Activity) is a world of difference from a rap sheet by the FBI. If you do want to make a comparison, however, there have been a number of court cases, both in the USA and other countries, where it's been deemed that when performing a public activity, an individual has no reasonable expectation to privacy. Since editing the Waze map is likewise a public activity, there is no reasonable expectation to an editor that those edits should be considered private.

Heck, if I screw something up and someone notices it, I want the person who found it to know who I am so they can contact me and let me know about it. I can't fix something, including an errant editing behavior, if I'm not informed about it.

And as I've already pointed out, given that the vast majority of editors here are going by a pseudonym of some kind or another, they've already got all the "privacy" that they should ever need WRT Waze. Sincerely, I really do fail to see what "privacy" implications there are in someone being able to search for, to see, all your edits on the map. I just don't see how much "power" that gives someone.

I know you said you weren't taking sides, but I wanted to be sure that what I'm trying to bring up is clear.