Global Positioning Systems have increasingly become more evident in society through the implementation of this technology into such items as vehicles, mobile phones and pet collars. This revolutionary wireless piece of equipment works by the use of 27 earth orbiting satellites coordinated to precisely pinpoint the location of any object on the Earth’s surface. According to Brain and Harris, the US military originally developed and implemented this satellite network as a military navigation system, but soon opened it up to everybody else. (2004, Online) As a result of this functional convergence, mobile phones are being fitted with GPS tracking devices for security purposes. Through the combination of GPS technology and mobile communications, a new form of phone messaging has been developed that allows users to display a message in mid air for anyone in close proximity to view (Daviss, 2001). In support of this "The market for mobile location services shows signs of potentially huge growth - so big that some see it as the savior of struggling wireless telecommunications companies" (Divis, 2003). This particular feature of GPS and mobile messaging is almost difficult to comprehend, however as this technology progresses, common forms of human communication may become obsolete. Many new cars are also benefiting from the features of GPS and some of the advanced models can capture the last few seconds of data like vehicle speed, seatbelt use and whether the driver applied the brakes before a collision (Swartz, 2003). Apart from mobile phones and cars, GPS has also made its way into pet collars that let the owner know via their mobile phone if their pet has exceeded the set boundary. (Eisenberg, 2004) These emerging uses for GPS technology that stray from conventional operations are only a sample of what we are to expect from this equipment in the future.
At present, GPS is used to draw up maps, track endangered animals and also used to predict natural disasters such as floods etc. Farmers also use GPS equipment to map key locations within a field that may have a low fertility area or low water coverage (Steede-Terry, 2000). Therefore by the implementation of this technology into agriculture, precision farming will develop ensuring farmers get the highest yield from their crop. However, as GPS becomes more widely used to track things such as people, it is feared that problems such as “privacy will become a significant public policy issue several years from now�. (Bowman, 1999) In addition to this, Bowman also recommends that everyone should be aware of the dangers of this technology before they become locked in. For example "It is not enough to introduce a new technology and assume that consumers will automatically accept it. It is essential to recognize that consumers have serious and legitimate concerns about how new technologies may affect their lives" (Nelson, 2000). Furthermore, an article by Worthman, suggests that wireless technology is sometimes not for the better. This is due to the fact that GPS used in cars can track a person’s driving habits and incriminate them for speeding. (2001, Online) The issue at hand is that private companies such as rental car businesses (in the US) are taking the roles of police officers and using these GPS storage methods to convict their renters of disobeying the law. On the other hand, GPS can be used within the police force to track stolen cars, locate criminals and keep track of other squad cars. (2001, Online)This is one example of the many beneficial uses for GPS that will in turn create a more efficient economy if this technology is used correctly.
As a result of the new developments in global positioning systems, data protection laws must be created in order to protect an individual's details and location. Currently, no restrictions are in place to cover data specifically obtained by GPS systems, however there are laws in place to protect an individual's general privacy. This is an issue that will gradually become extremely relevant very quickly due to the increased access and ability to obtain and store data through this relatively new wireless technology. An obvious problem that can arise as a result of GPS is the fact that tracking data can get into the wrong hands and used for malicious purposes. Therefore a system or law must be introduced in order to protect users from being identified or tracked for the wrong reasons. As with the introduction of any new technology, privacy and security issues such as the above mentioned are unavoidable consequences of this type of functional convergence. These issues must be addressed appropriately in order to protect the consumer from maintaining their private identity and location.
EmilyOwen 13:17, 8 Sep 2004 (EST)
Mobile Phones - Security and Privacy
