In a recent investigation done by Quartz, it was found that
Android devices are always sending location data to Google—even when users have
disabled this feature in their settings. Location data is being sent even after
the phone has been reset to factory settings or if the phone has no SIM card.
The location data is being sent either through cellular data or a wi-fi
connection. If people want to continue using their Android devices, there is no
way for them to turn off this location tracking.
The Google spokesperson that Quartz contacted noted that
this tracking has been occurring for 11 months and that it is helping to manage
the notifications and messages received by Androids. They also claimed that the
data was never stored and planned to discontinue this practice of data tracking
now that the issue has been brought to light. Google claimed it was testing out
ways to better deliver messages to users in a faster manner.
While this may or may not be the real reason Google was
tracking Android users, it is another instance of a company gathering sensitive
data without informing the public. The exact location of someone can be
pinpointed by utilizing multiple cell towers and triangulation. Therefore, this
data is pretty sensitive and it seems like something Google should be asking
people to opt in or out of.
Do you think it is okay for Google to be tracking the
location of users without their permission?
Do you think tech companies today have lost touch on what data
about users is sensitive or not?
How do you feel about the possibility that a company—be it
Google, Facebook, Apple, Snapchat, etc—is always aware of your location?
I think after reading about this, I don’t think I’d want them to track my location if I opted out. I can understand collecting data for things like triangulation, but I think I’d let cell phone companies handle that. Given this, I’d agree that companies have lost touch on what is sensitive user data, but it comes at the cost of improving user’s day-to-day lives. It’s a trade-off between making things simple or complicated. For me, if it’s getting to the point of no opting out, I don’t feel that comfortable with the idea of always tracking my location.
ReplyDeleteAlso, there’s a way to see the location history through your Google account here.
It is alarming that phone users think they have control over their security and location settings when the reality is they do not. The fact that we are not able to fully turn off location tracking is unsafe and an invasion of privacy. I do think tech companies have lost touch of what user data is sensitive. I do not feel comfortable with having my location available to anyone that cares to find it. They are focusing on bettering their products and services by any means necessary and do not care if it is putting their customers in danger. If something were to happen to someone they cared about due to these unsafe practices, I am sure they would then care, but until then they will only think of of users as "testers" of their product giving them free information without the customers consent.
ReplyDeleteAfter getting a chance to read this, I am very alarmed with the increasing ability for companies to track our location even if we do not give permission. Many individuals are unaware of tech company's ability to know where people's smart phones and also where people are. This is sensitive information that most people do not want to be tracked without their permission. After reading this, I am going to go back and check some of the settings on my own phone, to monitor what is being tracked. Going forward, our generation needs to be more aware with what we are agreeing to especially with advancements in technology.
ReplyDeleteI agree that companies have lost track of what is considered private information. The era that we live in is quickly moving towards an infinite access to all information. It seems like if the patterns continue, everything we do will be recorded and monitored in order to "provide the best user experience". Is this an issue? On the surface, no, but the collecting of this information only becomes hurtful when someone with malicious intentions tries to access to information. I believe that while it isn't right what Google has done, I can see where they might lose sight of waht's considered private. I mean, they already know everything about you from other ways right?
ReplyDeleteOnly a few days left! Join the CryptantCrabs giveaway and try your luck!😎
ReplyDeleteCheck this out to join. ⬇️⬇️
https://dapplin.blogspot.com/2018/11/dapps-are-hosting-giveaway-with.html?m=1
🔘Dapp.com
https://t.me/dapp_com