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 can be used to monitor many types of data such as how many miles a car has been driven, how fast the automobile was going, and where the vehicle is located. This all varies depending on the device and system that is utilized.
GPS vehicle tracking devices provide a lot of advantages but can also be problematic to people who are concerned with their privacy. An example of this invasion of privacy involves the automobile rental companies. Usually there is a disclosure in fine print that states the responsibility of wear on the vehicle is that of the renter if they drive over 79 miles per hour. The GPS system records this information which the rental company can retrieve to determine when the renter has driven over the designated miles per hour. The renter will then see this additional fee on their credit card bill.
Many parents tend to feel that concerns about GPS security and privacy are no comparison to knowing where their child is, so they can ensure the child's safety. Some parents actually use these devices to keep track of their children's activities. And if the child breaks the rules the parents will revoke their driving or socializing 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.
GPS security and privacy comes in to play again with cell phones. Not all people are aware that they can be tracked with their cell phones. This can also help the police conduct business, making their jobs much easier. Authorities are able to locate both criminals and victims, as well as stolen vehicles. Every year there are new and improved models of these tracking devices, with new features and updates. These tracking systems can provide safety and help to protect us and our loved ones. The information they provide also has the potential to be abused.
As many of you already know, the Global Positioning Satellite System (GPS) has a number of major benefits. But some people consider it to be an invasion of privacy. Many adults believe that the pros of the gps security and privacy outweigh the cons. Devices such as GPS vehicle tracking devices can provide monitoring data on a vehicle such as total miles driven, speeds that it was driven, traveled routes, as well as its current location. The benefit of GPS is that people who possess GPS cell phones no longer need to buy expensive equipment to monitor a loved one.
Published January 22nd, 2008
Filed in Business