GPS Security Issues

While the GPS device may be a great product to help stop thieves, some people feel concerned that the devices are a violation of personal privacy. Since the devices can be used as surveillance, some people question if the GPS should be used.

The fourth Amendment limits US police officers from using the GPS devices to the fullest capacity. When some one is suspected of a crime, the police must have a search warrant. Some officers have put GPS devices in a vehicle without issuing a warrant. During a court procedure in 2009, this action was questioned in a court of law.

Private Citizens use the GPS too, which in California the device is regulated under the Penal Code in Section 637.7. It states, “No person or entity in this state shall use an electronic tracking device to determine the location or movement of a person.” Under section B, it states, “This section shall not apply when the registered owner, lesser, lessee, or a vehicle has consented to use the electronic tracking device with respect of that vehicle. There are several sections of that code to consider. Some say that in the future all fifty US states will issue the same laws as what is written in the California Penal.

Some states are Commonwealth states, which institute “common law invasion of privacy tort”, which may include statutes of the wiretapping. Massachusetts has very strict laws set up to protect the privacy of the people.

Some people believe that parents who use the device to track their children, or spouses who use the GPS to track their mate are a violation of that person’s privacy. Not so long ago, a debate occurred, which ensued Georgia’s proposal to outlaw GPS tracking devices that are hidden with exceptions. Private investigators or law enforcements sustained the rights to hide GPS in vehicles.

Some people feel suspicious or even frighten of the notion that law enforcement may place a GPS device in their vehicle without a warrant. It seems the direction GPS is heading is to court. There will probably be other cases in court that appeal the privacy act that GPS or Global Positioning Systems are violating the rights of the citizens.

Of course, a child who finds out that their parent is monitoring their every move may feel threatened or even concerned. The child may rebel, or even confront their parents. They may feel that their parents did not trust them, or feel that their parents are not giving them room to make their own decisions or grow up.

If a police officer placed a tracking device in someone’s car without a warrant, they may appeal it in court. The illegal activity may lead to debates that turn sour for law enforcement and even jeopardize their case.

GPS devices are capable of tracking thieves however. Car thieves are getting out of control, but with the GPS installed in the vehicle, the car thief doesn’t stand a chance. So you decide, is the GPS tracking device a violation of privacy, or a gadget that can help fight crime?