"To provide location-based services on Apple products, Apple and our partners and licensees may collect, use, and share precise location data, including the real-time geographic location of your Apple computer or device. This location data is collected anonymously in a form that does not personally identify you and is used by Apple and our partners and licensees to provide and improve location-based products and services. For example, we may share geographic location with application providers when you opt in to their location services."
Google's Fine Print:
"Google offers location-enabled services, such as Google Maps for mobile. If you use those services, Google may receive information about your actual location (such as GPS signals sent by a mobile device) or information that can be used to approximate a location (such as a cell ID)."
What do you risk in allowing your apps to use your GPS data? Research and find at least three practical responses, tips that can be used, and respond below. Be sure to include your sources.
Privacy. The reason why I don't have a Facebook. I love this topic.
ReplyDeleteI believe that if people feel comfortable in their surroundings then privacy is not a concern. It's one of the Basic Human Needs: safety and security. Privacy is only violated when people feel they are being violated.
I was once comfortable with having a Facebook. But when I was 15 years old I was being stalked through Facebook by my dead boyfriend's mom (it's a long story, we dated, he died, then his mom then tried to date me - she actually asked me out and got me alone - it was traumatizing). After finding out that what I was posting on Facebook was being used against me (by her) I felt violated. So I deactivated my Facebook account.
A Garmin nüvi 2597LMT 5" GPS with built-in bluetooth, lifetime map and traffic updates (1) may guide you from A to B but what are you going to give up in return? You might pay $200 for a GPS but the real cost doesn't stop there. The cost of your privacy is at risk.
Our privacy is the most important right we have. Our country was founded on privacy; the first Amendment is the privacy of beliefs, the third is the privacy of the home and the fourth Amendment is the privacy of the person and processions. However, there are exceptions to these Amendments that were created for defense and security purposes.
The Surveillance Self-Defect program has complied reasonable exceptions to the Fourth Amendment (2). Under the site's section titled 'Records Stored By Others' it reads "...You will often have no Fourth Amendment protection in the records that others keep about you, because most information that a third party will have about you was either given freely to them by you, thus knowingly exposed, or was collected from other, public sources."
By understanding that we are freely giving up our whereabout records to companies such as Google, Apple or even Garmin, then we can't complain about them tracking us. But is it still called "tracking" when it's given up so freely (after the $200 cost of a tracking device)? I believe it is not. The same thing applies to my old Facebook account. It was my choice to post things and make them public. I didn't blame Facebook. I started it, didn't like it and I ended it. I have the power (3).
During the National Consumer Protection Week in 2008 President George W. Bush said, "An educated consumer is a confident consumer; and it is confident consumers who drive the economy of our Nation." (4) He emphasized that consumer education is the most important factor and should be the first action taken in any situation. Basically, don't buy $200 GPS tracking devices if you are unwilling to give up your location whereabouts.
If privacy is a concern to you your options are fairly limited. Turning your Droid or iPhone off doesn't necessarily turn off the GPS feature (5). The solution to this is to either chuck your phone into the nearest garbage disposal or check out a SilentPocket phone protector pouch (6).
1. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/nuvi-2597lmt-5-gps-with-built-in-bluetooth-and-lifetime-map-and-traffic-updates/7535075.p?id=1218849839211&skuId=7535075&st=pcmcat127000050005_categoryid$abcat0301014&cp=1&lp=2
2. https://ssd.eff.org/your-computer/govt/privacy
3. http://www.synthmania.com/Famous%20Sounds/I've%20got%20the%20power.mp3
4. http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2008/02/20080229-8.html
5. http://www.landairsea.com/gps-tracking-news/smartphones-can-track-even-with-the-gps-turned-off
6. http://www.mia-mobi.com/
I like privacy, but I have not had a real reason (thus far) to give up my smart device or be against it, in the name of privacy.
ReplyDeleteCell phone companies track the pings inside of a cell phone are being recorded constantly, and whether your using an app or not you can still be tracked via your smart device (if it's turned on).
"Since the early 1980s cell tower information has been used to provide evidence in courts across America to defend and prosecute criminals," According to this article. (http://www.diligentiagroup.com/legal-investigation/pinging-cell-phone-location-cell-tower-information/).
In one of my classes we discussed a case where the police made the phone company give them the pings of a suspects cell phone. They ended up tracing him to the murder, but without a warrant. He was still convicted.
One article I read talked about how accessible the information apple records is very easy to access by virtually anyone. And that the file information is stored in an intricate way, it does not benefit the consumer. http://www.wired.com/2011/04/apple-iphone-tracking/
Apparently there is some kind of fire-wall app which reports the user of each ping and they confirm it. I'm not sure if it is true or not, but I found some information on it that people were ranting about. An article from the L.A. Times had this to say, "The federal government has amassed a database for at least seven years containing details on virtually every telephone call made within the United States or between this country and telephones abroad, officials said Thursday, providing the first glimpse of a vast secret domestic surveillance operation." Here is the full article: http://articles.latimes.com/2013/jun/06/nation/la-na-secret-surveillance-20130607.
Privacy is a must I believe when it comes to the government. They over-reach into many peoples lives whether they know it or not. In my opinion they are the most dangerous entity for this technology and that is why our constitution is speaking to the government for our rights.
The ol’ catch 22 (i.e. a paradoxical, no-win situation). If you use it, they’ll know where you are. Everyone wants to be well connected—that’s why we buy these devices. But no one wants to be “tracked,” or spied on.
ReplyDeleteI believe most people are fine with the above clause that states, “this location data is collected anonymously in a form that does not personally identify you…” I think the debate comes because it is so easy for government agencies to overstep the anonymous part. Initially we are anonymous, but that can quickly change. And therein lies the problem.
Adam addressed this in his comment about the police tracking down a killer and gathering the information without a warrant. Yes, murderers should be caught. Yet the 4th amendment of the U. S. Constitution makes it clear that a warrant is necessary. This is a protection granted us as citizens of this nation. This was included in the document known as “The Bill of Rights” for good reason. Following is the 4th amendment:
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized (U.S. Const. amend. IV).
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/bill_of_rights_transcript.html
Of course, if we’re really concerned about giving away our location at any particular time, we can turn of our phones and pull out the batteries. Or we can purchase and use a shield for our devices. http://www.amazon.com/SilentPocket®-Suit-Shielding-Phone-Black/dp/B005Y6S73M
But again, it’s a catch 22. The idea is you slip your phone into the shield when you want privacy, then remove it and use it when you can to be in contact. The problem is obvious—as soon as you take your device out of the shield and turn it back on, you are back on the grid and your location is known. This would be a good solution if you have that one secret location you want no one to know of, but most times your current location is going to link to your former location in a rather obvious way. So how paranoid are you? (Though keeping in mind the old joke/axiom: “Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean you’re not being followed.”)
If it’s just a matter of geotagging, then the solution is obvious—disable the geotagging feature on your device. The following article covers the risks and solutions, and includes a short video at the end. http://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-the-Potential-Risks-of-Geotagging
I think the key concept here is to not over-share. Don’t give out more information than necessary. Know when your geotagging features are enabled, and only use these features when you have a good reason to. As to the rest, well, if someone is going to track or “stalk” me, they’re in for the most boring time of their lives. So if they do it intentionally, they deserve to be bored to dead.
ReplyDeletePrivacy has been a big topic over the past few years since social media has got more popular. When Facebook first came out everyone I knew was getting an account, even my mother. I fought the Facebook fight for awhile, I didn't want to get another account to check and update. Then a few months later I caved and got an account. I enjoyed the thrill of Facebook during the first few months that I had it, then I began to get sick of it
Most people that updated their statues were just complaining about their lives, their views on politics or what they ate for lunch. I noticed I started checking it when I was bored and had time to spare. Facebook has also continued to change their policies and privacy information. Over the years we have been giving more and more information about ourselves freely to numerous people, even if we don't realize it.
I don't have anything to hide, as I know everything I put online will remain online and can be seen by anyone and the government tracks and stores our information. Though I do like the idea of having some privacy, as I don't think everyone needs to know everything I do.
Lots of companies put in their privacy statements that they are going to collect information from you, whether you know it or not. Some collect your number, location information, GPS software, search inquiries, and device type.
http://bgr.com/2011/04/20/your-smartphone-is-tracking-you-and-you-said-it-was-okay/
This blog has some great information about when apps, like a Flashlight app, want your information and what they are going to do with it.
http://kochanski.org/blog/?p=742
Some permissions on the agreements are a bit vague. Lots of apps are free, but they come with a another price besides money, your privacy. Be cautious with what permissions you give applications.
Here are some tips to help make your phone more secure and to help with your private information
https://www.staysmartonline.gov.au/home_users/Secure_your_mobile_phone_and_devices
I believe one of the best tips is to not give too much information over the internet.
Danica Pickett
ReplyDeleteIn allowing your apps to use your GPS signals data, you risk your privacy and security. This information getting into the wrong hands could cause different effects ranging from ads being specific to your current location to thieves knowing when to break into your home. According to Mircrosoft's Safety and Security Center, you never know who can really find out where you are "if messages that share your location are tied to your Facebook account" or other social networking sites. Once this information is up on the internet, it will always be up and searchable for anyone. McAfee's Blog Central states that some apps provide a way to "check in" using your cell phone. This then leads to sharing your location on social networks. They use the example of you checking into a hotel. A thief might be able to see that you've checked in and then be able to find your home address doing a simple search online. It seems so easy to rob a home knowing the owners are far away, enjoying themselves. McAfee also mentions how scary it could be for parents with children. "Imagine what could happen if your child's exact location fell into the wrong hands." The third risk to be careful of is geotagging. Geotagging is when images and videos automatically tag the location they were taken. You could snap a picture and not even think about the danger of it. You put it up online, and anyone can see where you are.
McAfee suggests a couple things to help be more cautious about sharing your location. Many of their tips suggest turning off the automatic GPS functions on your phone and camera. They also suggest waiting to upload your pictures until you get home instead of uploading them immediately. And they remind us that "whatever [we] post online is public, even if your privacy settings are set correctly."
Tips from Microsoft include many of the same things, yet are more general. "Limit who knows your location." Don't go purposefully letting everyone and their dog know where your every move is. "If you use location services, check in thoughtfully." Letting certain apps like Maps use your GPS location data can be very useful, but remember to be careful with it. When using the "check in" feature, don't send it to your social network accounts.
Microsoft
http://www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/location-services.aspx
McAfee
https://blogs.mcafee.com/consumer/geo-location
Privacy has become a big issue regarding cell phones in the past few years.
ReplyDeleteTracking someone has become easier with new applications that are coming out. According to an article, "Cell Phone Spying," it has become easier than ever to track someone's whereabouts. There is a line that caught my attention and made my stomach sink. It said, "The majority of Americans use all these cell phones to talk, text or tweet. But all this high tech communication hides a dark and troubling danger." It talks about spyware and how dangerous it is once you have downloaded it to your phone. It allows someone to use your cell phone against you and spy on you without you even knowing it is there. That makes me think, what is on my phone that I don't know about.
In an article on Computer Weekly there are two subjects, how attackers use GPS data and how to stop them from tracking your GPS. The first is how attackers use GPS data. There is a paragraph that stands out to me:
"Many devices have built-in GPS functionality which, if accessed via a malicious app, provides location data accurate to within a few meters. Tracking someone using GPS data means their daily routines, such as routes to and from work, can be recorded and mapped. GPS data can even be used to uncover favorite venues after work where chance meetings can be arranged or opportunities to steal information created. Easier still is following a target on any of the social networking sites they use, such as Facebook and Twitter, where many people either intentionally or unwittingly expose their current or intended location."
I am now even more careful about what I am putting on my social media.
The second is how to stop them from tracking the GPS. The article says people should be encouraged to disable location services whenever they are not needed. If you have an app that uses a GPS, disable it while you are using it so that you can make sure you aren't getting tracked.
http://www.computerweekly.com/tip/Stop-phone-tracking-and-GPS-data-leakage
http://www.iiiweb.net/news/cell-phone-spying/
It is interesting that we are perfectly OK posting where we are at, what we are doing, and exactly how long we will be doing it. But as soon as the word 'tracking' is thrown around we are all up in arms and angry and outraged that people would be tracking us.
ReplyDeleteWhile I am not condoning being tracked, I also can't be outraged because it makes complete sense. I am not willing to give up technology therefore I am OK with being tracked. (My opinion is that I don't do much that would give people a lot of information about my life and what I do give is super boring so track me if you want.) This is dangerous thinking. Just because I am boring doesn't mean that I should be OK with being tracked. I am more OK with being tracked because I love technology and with all good there is always a downfall.
The only thing wrong with being tracked is that the information is shared, or at lease it can be shared. This is where my outrage comes in. I am fine with them tracking me, my violation of privacy comes when they share that information with the intention of financial gain.
There is an app that allows you to 'find your friends', all you have to do is input their phone numbers and they show up on the cute little map on the app on your smartphone. We also love the 'find my iPhone' feature that in essence tracks the whereabouts of your phone constantly.
For some reason we find these to be perfectly OK. Is it because we don’t realize or make the connection of what is happening?
I honestly feel that we are only outraged because we finally realized that it is happening. We have known for years that they are tracking us, but it is the forefront of our thoughts now and we are outraged.
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/google-apple-track-users-location-information
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMy personal GPS data being accessible is an interesting topic, but quite frankly, I have never been too concerned about it. Probably in part because I've never feared someone stalking me before (no one has ever bothered to do so) and partly also because I don't have children (yet). However, taking that perspective, yes I would be concerned about unsavory people knowing where my wife and children are at any given time. It does present a huge safety hazard. That I believe is the most immediate risk.
ReplyDeleteHowever, digging a little deeper, apps would also have the ability to watch the patterns of your daily life, and use that data for better marketing for you personally, similar to how Google analyzes your search queries. That's a little disconcerting, but at the same time, it increases convenience. All I have to do is look to the ads on my Facebook feed if I want to meet "hot Christian singles." Really though, it is a little strange to think that an app could be collecting data about where I spend most of my time (which in this case would be the school) and use that data for its own purposes.
As I was doing some research I came across an interesting site with several tips about how to stay safe with the GPS on your smart phone:
Know the service’s privacy features – A lot of times people don’t know you can just turn off some tracking features.
Know who your friends are – Kind of a given, don’t take candy from strangers. Don’t be friends with people who could potentially stalk you or your family.
Syncing with other services – Be aware of syncing with different services or apps like Facebook or Twitter.
Check back often – Some services send stop sending out location info after awhile, others, never do – until you turn it off. Check to see where you stand.
Can others disclose your location? – Sometimes services allow others to “check you in” at a location. Be aware of these features.
Updating parents – Alright, this one might be for little kiddies, but in other words, let someone you trust know where you are through their “check-in” features.
http://www.connectsafely.org/gps-location-sharing-tips/
Yeah, I think there are some real risks with GPS location tracker capabilities. People will know where you are, they can learn your daily routines, and they can know how to find you. However, as discussed, if we choose to use this type of technology, we are basically signing a contract that says, "I'm okay with this." In a lot of cases, it's use giving up safety for convenience and accessibility.
Again, do I care personally? Not so much. Will I care about my kids and spouse. You bet your bottom I will, but until then, I don't mind if people know I go to the gym. It may improve my chances for actually having kids.
I feel like I am stuck between a rock and hard place like most people, because all individuals want to feel secure but do not want to give up privacy. I am saying you need one or the other, possibly no but to me they do go together at least to me.
ReplyDeleteNow with that being said, I do not condone the government checking my every movement. I mean again, how much are willing to give up for security? Maybe I am going way off topic but when 9/11 happened we were willing to give anything for security because I mean it was a tragedy and honestly didn't think that it would ever to this beautiful country. So how to prevent this from happening where our privacy is invaded? Well whenever an app ask you to use its GPS just say no, thats the beginning. Then you have the 4th admendment.
https://www.aclu.org/how-government-tracking-your-movements
In an article on Computer Weekly there are two subjects, how attackers use GPS data and how to stop them from tracking your GPS. The first is how attackers use GPS data. There is a paragraph that stands out to me:
"Many devices have built-in GPS functionality which, if accessed via a malicious app, provides location data accurate to within a few meters. Tracking someone using GPS data means their daily routines, such as routes to and from work, can be recorded and mapped. GPS data can even be used to uncover favorite venues after work where chance meetings can be arranged or opportunities to steal information created. Easier still is following a target on any of the social networking sites they use, such as Facebook and Twitter, where many people either intentionally or unwittingly expose their current or intended location."
http://www.computerweekly.com/tip/Stop-phone-tracking-and-GPS-data-leakage
http://smallbusiness.chron.com/disable-gps-tracking-iphone-30007.html