Acknowledging the potential for stalking and illegal surveillance, the experts nevertheless insist the advantages of cell-based GPS far outweigh the risks. “That little chip in your cell very well could save your life,” says Molly Richardson, a customer service representative for T-Mobile.
Privacy versus protection
Federal and state law enforcement officials recently have found ways to work through loopholes in wiretapping laws, using cell phone trackers to keep tabs on suspects and “persons of interest” in major investigations. The Courts have issued inconsistent rulings on the Constitutionality of this practice, and civil rights advocates fear it represents another serious incursion into citizens’ private lives.
Public safety officials counter that law-abiding citizens have nothing to fear, and they cite hundreds of cases in which cell phone GPS trackers have saved the lives of traffic accident victims and led to safe recovery of injured or disabled people gone missing. “We can show worried customers how to use their GPS features to thwart stalkers and intruders,” Richardson reassures. “Used wisely, your cell phone is by far your greatest personal protection device.”
Benefits of GPS installation
In addition to protecting your personal safety, the GPS features in your cell phone can help protect your budget and save the environment. One smartphone app will map a series of errands according to traffic conditions and maximum fuel efficiency. Moreover, the app can “pre-shop” neighborhood retailers to help you spot the lowest prices on items you buy every week, and it automatically can work them into your itinerary. GPS locators also link to…
911 and emergency locator calls.
- Even without GPS locators, your service provider can help first responders locate you in an emergency; however, GPS-equipped phones allow users to use one-touch calling, and they pin-point your location for police and rescue workers.
- Many shopping applications coordinate GPS functions with Internet software that tracks prices at grocery stores, major discount chains and gas stations. Apps designed specifically for gas-price tracking can spot the lowest priced fuel stops along any route you outline, and they update their information in real time as prices change. They also help you estimate how far you may travel at your current speed with the fuel you have on board.
- Small business owners love their customers who plot their locations on “foursquare,” because they boost customer traffic, gross sales and average tickets. Especially small businesses known to locals as “well-kept secrets” have prospered from loyal customers’ use of social mapping applications.
- Personal safety advocates warn that, when you use a mapping app, you send your location to the whole world. Residential burglars sometimes use the apps to pick their targets, and stalkers abuse the apps to prey on their victims. Richardson acknowledges the risks but also notes,
- “Every app comes with safety and privacy features built in. Of course, every user must use common sense and take caution.”
- The well-worn but almost infallible traditional teen getaway phrase, “I’m going to the library,” now comes with “insurance.” Using GPS locator apps on your teens’ cell phones or in your vehicles, you can pin-point their locations at all times. Some apps even will map where your peripatetic teen has been.
- Especially if your newly licensed teen driver is not comfortable or proficient driving at night, you can make sure they are headed home before dark or are driving well within their comfort zones. A few very sophisticated apps even report both the speed limits and how fast your children are driving as they beep-bop around town.
- If you corner the average working mother and compel her to tell the truth, she will confess that she sometimes forgets where she parked the car as she raced into the mall or market. Who can focus on letters, numbers sand landmarks in the throes of a shopping emergency.
- Many GPS locator applications not only will map your car’s location but also will guide you step-by-step from the produce aisle to the driver’s side door. Of course, the same applications help police find your car if it its is stolen; therefore, many of these devices reduce your car insurance premiums by reducing your theft and vandalism risks.
A balance of connection and control
Richardson asserts, “The practicality and protection of GPS-equipped cell phones far outweigh the tiny risk that someone might invade your privacy.” She adds, “When you download a new app, take time to learn all of its settings and features so that you can maintain complete control over how and when it sends information.- Also remember that most systems allow you to turn-off GPS functions when you turn-off your phone, and that one simple move always maximizes your privacy.”
Cassandra ByronAbout the Guest Author:
Cassandra Byron is a freelance writer in San Francisco. She writes for mobilephones.org.uk where you can research the most current technology for cell phones.
