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Last Updated: April 11, 2010  740 views

Misuses of GPS tracking systems

in: Technology

GPS_Tracker.jpgYesterday, one of my friends showed me a GPS vehicle tracking device which uses the Global Positioning System to determine the precise location of a vehicle to which it is attached and to record the position of the vehicle at regular intervals. The recorded location data can be stored within the tracking unit, or it may be transmitted to a central location data base, or internet-connected computer, using a cellular (GPRS), radio, or satellite modem embedded in the unit. With the help of this device, vehicle’s location to be displayed against a map backdrop either in real-time or when analyzing the track later, using customized software. Then I asked him “Is it possible to track different persons using such GPS Tracking systems ?” His answer was “Yes”. Yeah, it is possible to track any person using these techniques.

In some countries, police uses such GPS trackers to track criminals and their families. There is no doubt that these gadgets are very useful for police, detectives and parents who want to track their small children. But such devices are not good for personal privacy. Yeah, GPS trackers are widely misused by people for knowing the secrets of other people. Tracking your kids or pet animals or vehicles is OK but if you are tracking your spouse, employees or friends then this is not right for one’s privacy.

A lot of the privacy stuff can be overblown due to such devices. But most of the experts say that privacy is always an issue when you have a system that allows you track somebody. I am still wondering what will happen if somebody else plants the GPS tracking device on you to track your all activities. That, in my opinion is the biggest misuse of this technology. I have many doubts related to these tracking gadgets. Let me ask a questions Would you track your spouse if you felt she is cheating and sharing bed with someone else ? Waiting for your answers and comments.