GPS Security And Privacy: Should Safety Trump Privacy?
As you may well be aware, there are many important benefits to consider when using the Global Positioning Satellite System (GPS). It is invaluable when trying to navigate in unfamiliar areas, but some people think it is an invasion of privacy. Security and privacy have been openly debated, and most adults believe that it is more beneficial than detrimental.
GPS vehicle tracking devices perform a wide variety of different monitoring functions that can determine where the vehicle is located, the speed, and how many miles that car has been driven. This information is all variable since the system and device determine the different functions.
In some cases people believe that this is an invasion of their personal privacy. For example, when renting a car, most of us ignore the fine print at the bottom of our contracts saying that we will pay extra for wear and tear on the vehicle if we go over 79 miles per hour. The car rental company will know when and how many times we have done this, and charge our credit card the additional 'wear and tear' fee based on information obtained by their GPS vehicle tracking devices.
Frequently, parents believe that GPS security and privacy issues are minimal in comparison with the security of knowing the location of their child. In fact, some parents use GPS devices to monitor their child's location and activities. If their child fails to follow the parents' guidelines, these parents may opt to suspend driving and socialization privileges.
Cell phones now have GPS technology so you no longer need to pay a lot of money for separate GPS capabilities. However, consumers aren't usually able to see location information directly. To get a person's location, the GPS must tap into the wireless network, and this only happens when a 911 call is made form the phone.
Cellphones raise lots of privacy issues. Consumers are often not aware that their movements are recorded and tracked. Global Positioning Systems (GPS) reveal a person's location. This type of location data helps police with their investigations, such as tracking down a criminal or even someone who is lost or missing. They can act as a safety device to protecting your family and loved ones. Location technology also helps locate stolen cars. The technology for these tracking devices is constantly improving. However, there is some potential that tracking data can be misused.
Global Positioning Satellite Systems has added security to our lives but is it an invasion of privacy? GPS is available in many different products today and is increasingly used as a tool by the police department, concerned parents and GPS vehicle tracking devices are often used by rental car agencies. GPS cell phones are also available. The cell phone owner can be located by dialing 911 in an emergency. GPS security and privacy is a hot topic but most agree that the benefit is great. We can feel safer when we are more connected.
Published January 22nd, 2008
Filed in Law