December 22, 2003
There's an article here from the NY Times about the extended and more common use of GPS technology. From cell phones, to bracelets, to cars. One thing I wasn't aware of is that all phones will need to be locatable by 2005 by 911 emergency services. This basically implies GPS, meaning it will only become more common.There are a lot of ethical issues but also many valuable uses for the technology. I don't like the whole Big Brother idea of having the government know where you are, so I think some control is needed there. For instance, you should be able to disable the tracking features yourself, but have laws allowing emergency services to override that control in certain instances.I laughed at what one kid said though:
"Cellphones would lose their appeal if they became tracking devices," said Nate Bingham, 16, of Seattle. "I think if your parents really care that much they should just put a leash on you."
I think he may have a point, but then again, kids seem to be getting into a lot of trouble these days.
Posted by charr at 10:43 AM
Reader Comments
People are putting microchips, albeit not GPS devices, in their pets to identify them. I can see a real value in putting a GPS in your baby/young child to protect them in case of accident, kidnapping, etc. It would be a real deterrent to someone to kidnap anyone if they were being tracked - something akin to LoJack (sp?) or OnStar for cars. The motive is the potentially dangerous part. As a child grows up, you have to extend some independence to kids so they can prove themselves trustworthy on their own merits, not just out of forced obedience.On the other hand, forced GPS technology as part of the criminal justice system could be beneficial. If you map all the crack houses in town and Joe Felony on probation shows up there, hello handcuffs.
The Massachusetts government wants to use GPS phones to keep track of their plow drivers.The drivers sent the phones back.
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People are putting microchips, albeit not GPS devices, in their pets to identify them. I can see a real value in putting a GPS in your baby/young child to protect them in case of accident, kidnapping, etc. It would be a real deterrent to someone to kidnap anyone if they were being tracked - something akin to LoJack (sp?) or OnStar for cars. The motive is the potentially dangerous part. As a child grows up, you have to extend some independence to kids so they can prove themselves trustworthy on their own merits, not just out of forced obedience.On the other hand, forced GPS technology as part of the criminal justice system could be beneficial. If you map all the crack houses in town and Joe Felony on probation shows up there, hello handcuffs.
Posted by Renee at December 23, 2003 10:15 AM