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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

 

[FarFarAway]

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.

Yep sure I know, but at least that's a payed app and not as easy to just pick up and do. Still don't agree with it for most uses. Social care/lone workers etc excepted

 

[nathan]

no different to the usual tagging they use now. Or the tagging they put in some company cars.

I'm far more happier google storing info on my whereabouts then most etailers storing my credit card details. Whats the worst that could happen, someone can track me down bump into me to either rob/kill etc me. But when they see how ugly i am, they'll soon run!

 

[TopSecret]

There are plenty of people who could be worried about Latitude, but I think the biggest group of people are likely to be partners who are cheating on their spouses. It would be so easy to catch the guilty party out with this app. Then there are going to be some who use it just to be nosey. I think it will have it's good uses, but there will always be the prats who misuse it.

 

[Sleekit]

I'd LOVE to have this on my phone if like you were trying to find someone/or got lost in an area you don't know.

As long as it is very secure and can be switched off.

Even if some phones had a physical switch?