Google Latitude launches - Meets criticism already

[TopSecret]

Google launched Latitude earlier this week, a mobile phone tracking service, which can pinpoint users locations to as close as just a few metres on an online map.It has faced some harsh criticism already though.

Read the full article here.

[FarFarAway]

Can't even believe they're allowed to release it, total privacy invasion!

[monkey7]

Yep. No way I'd install this on my smartphone even if I had one.

[Rastalovich]

If they cover the security aspect so that it's only used as intended, which they did say means u can only have detections when it's allowed on the device, it should be ok.

To be fair tho, this is probably a totally incorrect media slant on the fact that the software has been copied and elements taken from it to do it without Lattitude.

I'm not for kids having phones in the 1st place so I got no arguement for it for parental reasons.

[Talonaer]

id say it was totally fine as long as the secruity is as tight as it should be.

[TopSecret]

I agree, but it sounds like there is a problem with unauthorised activation on certain handsets. If this is the case, then Google need to get it sorted ASAP.

From Google's FAQ's:

"After Google Maps for mobile with Latitude is installed and running on some mobile devices, you may receive prompts on your device reminding you that you have enabled Latitude to share your location with selected friends. These reminders allow you to continue or stop sharing your location with Latitude and will appear a limited number of times if you have enabled Latitude but have not used it recently"

This is what Privacy International have picked up on, and all the fuss is over. It's basically saying that once the servce is activated, it can continue to run without the owner knowing. Where someone else has activated it, for example a nosy boss, then the owner is being spied on.

[moogle]

Originally Posted by name='Kempez'

Can't even believe they're allowed to release it, total privacy invasion!

But why? You've got to agree to use it first. If someone wants it then let them it's not gonna affect your privacy is it

[FarFarAway]

Originally Posted by name='moogle'

But why? You've got to agree to use it first. If someone wants it then let them it's not gonna affect your privacy is it

Ever have a friend who steals your phone to faff around on it? I have.

Be especially bad if this started being installed on company phones...

[moogle]

Originally Posted by name='Kempez'

Ever have a friend who steals your phone to faff around on it? I have.

Be especially bad if this started being installed on company phones...

I don't have a phone so I didn't forsee that

[FragTek]

Originally Posted by name='Kempez'

Be especially bad if this started being installed on company phones...

There's already enterprise software that does this and I know of a few companies that use it. It's the companies property, they want to know where it is, and also know where an employee might be on a route or such. Very feasible for corporate use.