Response to GPS in Cellphones

In response to group 2's post on the privacy issue with GPS devices in phones. I do agree that this creates a problem for personal privacy. However, the device is implanted in the phone and only activated for those who request it. It is not forced upon anyone who owns a cell phone. Furthermore, the person is in control of whom they invite to use this device and who can easily find them. Also, there is a blocker, which allows the person the disable the tracking device. This new device is controversial, but the companies have taken precautions to not violet the privacy of individuals. The companies have though about the ethical issue of invading personal privacy and have created protective measurements to protect those who use the phone from being taken advantage of. They have allowed the individual to decide to use the tracking device and who can be part of this network. I feel with all these protective measurements those who proscribe to use the device are aware of the risks and willing to allow those in their network to track them down.

On the part where parents use it on their children I feel this is not an ethical issue. Parents are responsible for these young children and do have a right to invade their privacy to insure their safety. Their child would be aware of the tracking device and of course would be agreeing to their parent’s terms. This may also help keep their children out of trouble knowing their parents are watching them. It could insure the parents their child is not cutting school, is really at their friends house, and not in bad areas where they could get into trouble. Also, I feel the issue of this being brought into the work place by bosses would be invading personal privacy. If bosses required their workers have the tracking device and have it on they would have to provide them with separate cell phones. The worker would have a work cell phone with the device and then choose to have a personal cell phone without it. This may be the only way to not breech personal privacy.

Furthermore, I feel this new device is very useful. As the article states it helps many college children find their friends on campus without having to call them. This way they do not bother their friends if they are in class. Furthermore, this device saves individual countless minutes of cell phone use, which are very important to many people who cannot afford expensive plans. I think with the right precautions, which these companies have taken, this device will be used properly and help many people in the long run. Our technology advancements are only helping us to communicate better. Stifling these advancements would only hurt our nation rather than help it.