AOL has introduced a free location plug-in for its AIM instant messaging service, enabling users to see where their AIM buddies are physically located, so long as they are connected via a wireless network.

Relax, it's not a tool for stalkers: AIM Location is optional and the information is shared only with members of an AOL user's buddy list.

The software is free of charge to users of AIM 6.0 and works with PCs. AOL also plans to release a version that will work on mobile phones.

The plug-in based on technology from Skyhook Wireless, a start-up backed by Intel among others. Skyhook's Wi-Fi Positioning System tracks locations using the wireless signals transmitted by Wi-Fi access points and home routers, rather than using a satellite-based location system. It matches information on the unique identifying code of a piece of wireless kit against a location contained in a database.

Skyhook built the database using a fleet of 200 vehicles to drive around the major population centres of America and Canada, collecting information via a process akin to war driving. ®

Related stories

• Wi-Fi spoofing sends Jesus phone disciples off the true path (16 April 2008)
• Updated Users attacked by mysterious AIM buddies (12 June 2007)
• 24x7 vehicle surveillance, and how road pricing helps it along (12 February 2007)
• Botnet creators AIM high (21 September 2006)
• AOL opens AIM code to developers (8 March 2006)
• AOL to launch AIM for business (21 February 2006)
• RIM signs IM pacts (14 March 2005)
• Analysis WISPs blaze trail for WiMAX (12 November 2004)
• Mobile startups dismiss 3G – for now (7 March 2002)