In 1996, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandated that cellular phone companies were to install equipment into their phone to locate them in emergency situations. Phones that have this equipment have Enhanced 911 (E911) ability. E911 came about to help locate callers who had no way to communicating their whereabouts.
The most important part about E911 is that it utilizes Global Positioning System (GPS). GPS was developed in the military as a navigation tool. However, it is also a honing device for users with smart phones. GPS units have been used to prosecute criminals, enable crimes and track family and employees movements. Many argue that under the Fourth Amendment, data acquired from GPS devices are illegally obtained.
Under the fourth amendment, American citizens are guaranteed protection against unreasonable search and seizures. However, police officers do not need a warrant to obtain GPS data about suspects' whereabouts. GPS data have been used in court cases to prosecute criminals. Also there are cases in which police officers attach GPS devices to suspected vehicles. This brings up the question of how protected citizens are from emerging technology. Many court cases have arisen that argue that obtaining GPS data without a warrant is not only an invasion of privacy but unconstitutional.
GPS technology has proven beneficial in helping parents keep track of children. Sprint Family Locator and Verizon Wireless Chaperone are two such services that allow parents to locate their children in real time using GPS enabled phones. Also GPS devices in cars helps parents keep track of their teenagers driving habits. This includes not only their whereabouts but also driving speed.
In addition, parents can designate off limit areas that their children are not allowed to enter. In some services parents are automatically notified by an email of phone call when the vehicle enters the prohibited area. It was a big issue in 2008 when New York City made it mandatory for taxi cabs to be equipped with new technology. The New York Taxi Workers Alliance argued that their supervisors had no right to know where a Taxi was when drivers were off duty.
Taxi Drivers felt that their privacy was being invaded because of this. Yet there have been cases in which employers have installed GPS devices into company vehicles without notifying drivers. These drivers were fired when GPS data proved they were lying about their whereabouts. This brings up the issue of how much privacy employees are guaranteed. By using company resources, such as cell phones and vehicles, employers argue that there is no expectation of privacy in such case.
GPS technology has become popular among social networking websites. Sites such as FaceBook, Twitter and FourSquare allow its members to check in to locations in real time. These feature broadcast member's locations to their network. Over prolong amount of time users movements can become predictable. This makes it easier for users to be targets of crime such as robbery and assault. However, these sites give their users the ability to opt of location update.
There are also applications that utilize GPS technology. These applications allow members to find neighborhood stores that match their search. GPS technology has both positive and negative effects. GPS data is used to monitor and prosecute criminals. However some believe that employers abuse such technology by monitoring employees. However, since there is no real way to opt out of being track, there is no guarantee of privacy. This is because there is no way to turn off GPS. The only way to opt out is to not travel with an portable device.
