GPS Security And Privacy: How Does It Affect You?
The Global Positioning Satellite System, or GPS, has brought many benefits to society. Examples include easier navigation and position-finding in unfamiliar terrain. However, it can result in various invasions of privacy. GPS privacy and security issues have become newsworthy recently. Many people believe that, despite the problems that can arise, the GPS system is still a new positive for society.
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.
At times, individuals perceive this as an invasion of privacy. For instance, most customers fail to read the fine print on car rental contracts that states additional charges will be accrued if the driver exceeds a speed of 79 miles per hour. The GPS tracking mechanisms employed by rental companies could record the incidence and frequency of times when drivers do exceed this limit, and charge the credit card on file an added wear and tear fee based on this information.
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.
The benefit of GPS is that people who possess cell phones with this technology no longer need to buy expensive equipment to monitor a loved one. Many wireless companies provide this service; however, most do not provide users with a direct feed to GPS data. Therefore, the assistance of the cellular company is necessary to accurately pinpoint a person's location with the data, which is transmitted only in the event of a dialed 911 emergency call.
Greater peace of mind and comfort are important when it comes to cellular telephones. Most folks don't realize they can actually be traced with their cells. The cops can use these to find crime doers and their victims, and even stolen cars. Each year there are more innovative versions of these devices with new bells and whistles. These gadgets can make us, and our families and friends feel safer and more connected. One caveat, however is that the data these devices contain might be subject to abuse.
Although the Global Positioning Satellite System (GPS) has many benefits, one of the major concerns that both proponents and opponents of this technology voice is that of gps security and privacy. For example, car rental agencies can utilize gps vehicle tracking devices to determine whether and how often customers exceed speeds of 79 miles per hour. Most individuals who rent cars do not read the fine print in the contract that states customers who exceed this speed can be charged fees in addition to the contract price. This technology can be useful, however; GPS cell phones can monitor the whereabouts of a loved one.
Published January 22nd, 2008
