Google Latitude opens up another privacy discussion

February 13, 2009 at 5:16 pm · Filed under Uncategorized and tagged: CNN, Google, Latitude, Privacy

Google has just launched a new web application that lets user locate their friends on Google Maps and communicate directly with them over mobile devices. These kinds of programs could have an impact on the way social applications work, and potentially could be taking usage time away from Facebook. Or more likely facebook will just integrate a similar function into its system, if Latitude becomes popular.

The privacy issues that arise from the use of this service were already discussed on CNN with grave details. They refer to an issue brought up by Privacy International, saying that if someone installs this program on your phone they could stalk you without you knowing it. A reasonable concern perhaps, but Google persists that their application will let the user know if they are being followed.

This kind of technology has been available before, but never with the same level of functionality. Still most likely this new application will not create any real concern for privacy. It is apparent that people interested in this product will aware of its features and will be able to protect themselves.

The only concern might be in hacking this software. If anyone is really motivated to use these types of services for malice purposes, they will likely go to greater lengths to do so.

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