Many users need not worry about privacy risks if they know what to do. The new GPS technology enables people to find their way through unfamiliar places. It is a tool that assists people in finding a restaurant or an ATM in town. As a tracking tool, privacy issues regarding GPS use have been raised. This technology is now being integrated in most models of phones and cameras. Users enjoy its features, from simple photo taking to sharing of information on the internet.
The concerns center on the risks involved with anybody being able to locate a user by accessing his or her cell phone data. Nowadays, phones can store data on the whereabouts of a person, specifically location. The phone owner’s location data can be easily mapped – where he or she had been for a period of time - with the aid of Google maps.
EXIF data, which means Exchangeable Image File, is used to store photos in GPS-enabled phones or cameras. This new annotation is embedded in almost all present-day cameras. By using EXIF, information such as shutter speed, F number, exposure compensation, ISO number, date and time the image was taken, and other information, can be stored. These however, are just information about characteristics of the stored data and do not pose problems on privacy. It is the capability of some cameras using EXIF to store GPS information on the photo that raises the concern.
Apple and Google have made public their opinion on the privacy issue. According to them, users should not pass on the responsibility of protecting their privacy to others. Even if the technology is there, users still have the final decision of whether or not to use it. Users can simply disable or enable GPS features in their phones. Google also made clear that identification numbers of each phone signal cannot be traced to a specific handset. Google assigns a unique signal for each handset as part of each policy.
Taking this premise, some groups of users do not buy the idea of not using GPS features. They say that GPS is such a useful technology that a user can make good use of it. Also, the latest apps are mostly location enabled. Not using this technology may put a user in a more disadvantaged situation.
What users can do is pressure phone manufacturers and lawmakers to set limits on the use of GPS data. On the other hand, the government should move faster in order to catch up with the fast-changing technology. Meanwhile, users must be responsible enough to protect one’s own privacy.
They can do this by setting reasonable limits on the sharing of data online, especially with GPS enabled photos. One should use his or her intelligent discretion regarding when to share photos on any website, especially social networking sites. This will make one in better control over his or her privacy.
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