Friday, July 9, 2010

Does the Use of GPS Systems Compromise Your Privacy?

(My Original Blog Post: http://ping.fm/76E25)
The obvious answer to this question is ‘yes.’  The implementation of GPS Tracking devices has long been at the forefront of privacy discussions.  In fact, there are real dangers that are inherent if the motivation behind their use ever turns to illegal practices.  Even some well-intentioned people allow a measure of privacy invasions to accomplish their goals.

[caption id="attachment_5179" align="alignright" width="283" caption="GPS & Privacy Risk"][/caption]

That is why you should recognize the risks and know how to protect your privacy and rights.  Here are the things that you should be aware of regarding this topic.

Using GPS Enabled Cell Phones Compromises Your Privacy


Turning on the feature that you want to use to track your kids in turn makes them vulnerable to outside tracking.  The simple fact that the smartphone is available on the cell system as a GPS device makes it open to attention by prying eyes.  Think before you decide to use it, and then turn the GPS part off (if you can) once you are finished with it.

Your Privacy Can be Breached by Tracking Your Vehicle(s)


Tracking devices can be attached to your cars or trucks without your knowing.  These can be the passive types of trackers, or active ones that show in real-time where you are going and the location of your vehicle.  If you suspect that this is the case, you can perform a thorough inspection of your car to see if there is a device attached.

Your Rights are Secondary to Existing Laws


We all know how important our right to privacy is these days, but it is a simple fact that they are getting trampled upon more and more.  Those who choose to track you can submit any evidence that they obtain in a court of law and it is accepted as factual.  There are those who have tried to prohibit this from happening with no success.  Even though you are supposed to be considered innocent until proven guilty, it doesn’t always work that way.

Tracking is Done Without Your Knowledge or Permission


As mentioned before, you can be tracked without your knowing.  Permission is not required for using GPS Tracking devices for those in the general public.  Private investigators have turned to using them for their own purposes.  Police are required to get a court order before using them, but that does not always happen, either.

Tracking is Occurring Right Now


The GPS signals are everywhere and are difficult to avoid.  It is difficult for them to penetrate some buildings, but some systems also use cellular signals to assist.  On-going tracking is occurring right now for various uses.

Just knowing that they exist can help you navigate the world of gps tracking. Don't forget that use of gps tracking devices is assisting our courts in monitoring criminals given access to the outside world. The use of these devices is varied and becoming more commonplace. Knowing your rights of privacy is important. We will try to keep you updated in this area. Bookmark this blog and stay "in-the-know"!

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