It has recently been brought to our attention in the Buffalo area via WIVB News that our smartphones have a GPS tracking system in them. Though this is no new discovery, many are unaware of the extent of information that is recorded using this system. Most people have assumed there is a GPS in our smartphones as this is the age of technology; however, many did not know that this GPS system records our every move.
You heard right! Your smartphone not only tracks and records every location you’ve been to, it also records how long you are there down to the very minute. Creepy? Well-executed safety feature? It can be seen from both perspectives. But many are frightened by the lack of privacy.
If you have an iPhone or Android, location services come automatically turned on. Yes, it is convenient when using maps and weather apps, tagging a location on your Instagram photo and even using the geofilters on Snapchat, but it is also keeping record of every place you go, as well as when and how long you are there for. When and why did this begin, you may ask? Well, according to cyber security expert, Professor Alan Katerinsky of Hilbert College, GPS tracking technology began to be placed into smartphones following the events of Sept. 11, 2001 (WIVB).
So, what is the problem with this feature? Well, for starters, phone companies are using this information to sell for profit. The phone companies sell your location information to customize advertisements based on your location (WIVB). This explains how your social media networks know to advertise spots in Florida when you’re on vacation! Phone companies are making an extra profit off of you without you even knowing.
This feature may be seen as a total invasion of privacy, as many people have no idea that this is even occurring. The biggest concern that I would find with this GPS tracking system comes within the frequent locations. Frequent locations is the service that records and stores when and how long you are at a location. The frequent locations should be concerning as it not only locates your phone, but therefore you as well. You may be wondering why this is an issue. Here's why: the biggest worry here is that it can deem a location as “home.” So, anyone that buys this information from the phone companies (or anyone that takes your phone off the street) not only know all your favorite coffee shops, workplace, and friends' houses, they will also know where your “home” is. Creepy.
However, this GPS tracking system may also be useful in extreme situations. If something has happened to you, you cannot be located or contacted, the phone company should be able to locate your phone, in theory. That said, this will only be useful if the phone is still with you and you have not turned frequent locations off. This may also be useful if your phone is stolen, as it may help you locate your device.
But are the risks higher then the benefits?
Although location services come automatically turned on, you have the ability to turn them off. The following link will provide you with the steps to do so courtesy of WIVB News. Consider the risks and the benefits, then decide if this is crossing the line. Will you stop your phone from stalking you?
For information on how to turn off frequent locations, please visit:
http://wivb.com/2015/07/08/stop-your-smartphone-from-tracking-your-location/
