While You’re Watching Your GPS, It May be Watching You

If you’re directionally challenged, your New Year’s resolutions may relate to GPS devices: get one that’s always accurate, only use voice prompts when driving (ignore that distracting screen), and even learn to rely on your own devices more and GPS less. But here’s another reason to be aware of GPS: while you’re watching it, it may also be watching you.

A new report by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) says that companies providing location-based services (in personal navigation devices, mobile apps, and car systems) offer “inconsistent safeguards and varying levels of security.” The GAO wants the government to do more to protect the privacy of consumers whose data are collected by location-tracking companies.

Take a look at the related article by William Jackson in “Information Week”: http://ubm.io/1b4ymoL

The article contains a link to the full report (PDF), “In-car Location-based Services: Companies Are Taking Steps to Protect Privacy, but Some Risks May Not Be Clear to Consumers”.

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If you’re directionally challenged you need the award-winning book, Directional Sense: How to Find Your Way Around, by Janet R. Carpman and Myron A. Grant. www.directionalsense.com