Google 'puts spy in your pocket' (Google Latitude)

DiamondGeezer

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Google has been accused of putting a spy in everyone's pocket by launching software which maps the location of mobile phone users anywhere in the world.

The internet giant is marketing its Latitude download, which is released today, as a way for friends to keep in touch or for anxious parents to keep tabs on their children.

But critics fear it will evolve into a spying tool for employers who want to track their staff or suspicious partners who want to check up on their other halves.

Simon Davies, director of human rights group Privacy International, said: 'Many people will see this as a cool technology but the reality is it will be a privacy minefield.'

Latitude will be available in 27 countries and will work on most mobile phones and Blackberries, although not iPhones.

Users will have to sign up to the service and they can agree to give contacts their precise location, their city or no details.

Only the most recent location is given and none of the information is stored, Google says.

But Mr Davies said most people would join the network only through peer pressure.

Anyone who left their phone in a bar could be 'covertly opted in', he claimed.

'I would be concerned about any integrated use across Google services as their security is so poor and it's becoming the world most pervasive system,' said Mr Davies.

Unions said they would 'strongly oppose' any attempt to use the system as a way to track workers.

A spokesman for data watchdog, the information commissioner, said: 'Customers opting into the service should be made aware of how their information will be used. We will be monitoring the system closely.'

Google 'puts spy in your pocket' | Metro.co.uk

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There is a similar thing available for the iphone which tracks your movements in case the phone is "stolen" - what they do with the info is anybody's guess but to access it you need to know the Unique ID of the phone and a username / password combo so unless you tell somebody you have it and how to log in they can't track you.

In any event stuff like this in the UK has to be approved by both parties so you will have to agree to being tracked by each and every friend and family. Your boss couldn't just log in and see you unless you agreed he could and in any event it's pretty useless in London if I'm running late and I'm on the tube.
 
We have developed similar platforms as far back as 3/4 years ago using LBS (Location based services). This is old technology, the AA have been using it for a few years too as well as the emergency services. if you read your emplyer contract carefully there will be small print informing you of this especially if you are on the road a lot.

(mini rant..)
Google tried for many years to squeeze small operators out of the market and it has now finally succeeded. It is shambolic that a company like Google would be allowed to dominate these types of services in such a way. I am so glad that we sold off this aspect of our business in 2006 or it would be worthless now. I know of many small companies that will be out of business because of this. very sad day for many people that I know.
 
Its the phone number that the system follows Curly and not the handset or hardware device. It's all software based.
 
Page last updated at 07:32 GMT, Thursday, 5 February 2009

How to track friends with GoogleGoogle product manager Steve Lee demonstrates how Google's 'Latitude' programme allows people to locate someone's whereabouts from software installed on their mobile phones.

The new feature will allow mobile phone users to share their location with others on a Google map.

The software finds a location by using global positioning systems and wi-fi connections. Each user will need to manually turn on and off the tracking software, which will limit when they can or cannot be seen.

BBC NEWS | Technology | How to track friends with Google
 
If your phone is provided by your employer, presumably they could enable this on the phone before they issue the phone to you. Would you know, or would you be able to tell??

Curly

it runs on mobile mast positions if your gps is off. On the app you can manually turn it off.

i thought id just try it out.
 
If your phone is provided by your employer, presumably they could enable this on the phone before they issue the phone to you. Would you know, or would you be able to tell??

Curly

You have to physically agree to it, they can't just trick you into it by sneaking it on the handset etc, same as all this tracking websites for "concerned parents" The phone has to respond with a positive before it can be tracked, be it the owner ringing the company, or the handset responding with a text etc.

Failure to get express permission under UK law is a breach of your fundamental right to freedom
 
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