News report

Google Launches Software to Track Mobile Users
Ajay Kamalakaran, Thomson Reuters
2/5/09
http://uk.reuters.com/article/internetNews/idUKTRE5131XE20090205?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0&sp=true

Using a cell phone is the one of the main ways we transfer information today. We can call or text to send and receive information; and on newer phones, even access the Web. But how would you feel if your information and whereabouts were being transferred without your knowledge? In the article, Google announces that they are introducing software for cellular phones and other wireless devices that automatically tell your friends and family access to where you are using Google maps.
Google previously released similar software that tracked location through text messaging that failed. It was not explained why, but because in the article it harps at the point that the new program can be turned off, I imagine it failed because of it running through texts the program always on. I think that software like this is for parents to know where their children are, or if a person is traveling. But my concerns with this software is that anyone could know where are at all time. They say that it is only for friends and family, but that does not mean that others would not be able to access your account. There are always hackers, and what if Google could sell information to other companies or the government? Also, if u can turn the software on and off, doesn’t that defeat the purpose of having it, especially if parents were using it to track their children? I just found that this software, though innovative, seems like an invasion of privacy.