New Service – Google Latitude
Google launched new service called Google latitude. With it you can track your family, friends and coworkers on the map, learn what they are doing and even chat about it.
How Google Latitude Works
Google Latitude works with cell phones that have a GPS tracking unit built into them. Once service is activated, Google initiates the tracking unit and starts monitoring location of the phone. To activate the service you have to go to the http://www.google.com/latitude/intro.html, and type in your phone number. Google will take care of the rest. (you do need internet connection).
Privacy
Number of mainstream outlets and internet blogs have already critiqued the service, calling it: Big Brother, Privacy Invasion, etc. On one hand they all have legitimate reasons to be concerned, on the other hand Google did everything possible to keep privacy concerns at the forefront.
Concerns: first of all, there’s no trust in the corporations, be it Google, Microsoft or Sprint. NSA was caught spying on Americans, Washington lied about Iraq, Afghanistan and elections, so anyone with some memory and a sense of judgment would put public statements through a rigorous filter. The biggest concern is that:
- Google will misuse this data
- Google will share it with wrong government agencies
Google Response: on the other hand Google made everything possible to keep service as friendly to the public as possible. Latitude is 100% opt in. Even if you opt in, you can turn off the service as needed and set manual locations (say you’re in Montreal, but you can set it to Toronto).
Learn more about Google Latitude| Help Forum | Help Group | Mobile Help Center
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