To continue the talk about tracking devices, I've noticed that most are only interested on what's being tracked on their computer but completly neglect the capability of third parties tracking their smartphones and other devices such as the iPad.
I came across an article that emphasized this topic and thought it would be of interest to share the plot. The author explains in detail that this is the age of new technology, smartphones and all. Those with smartphones can contain too much personal data, even including the apps an owner decides to download can lead to digital footprints for strangers to gain access to personal information. Fortunately, there for smartphone owners there is an option to disengage the ability for companies to track their personal data.
Sharon Nissim says, "I'm glad ... consumers are ealking up to the tracking going on with computer[s], but ... thtere's an extreme lack of knowledge about tracking on your iPhone or iPad." Sharon Nissim is part of the privacy counsel of the Electronic Privacy Information Center.
The author then goes on to inform the readers of a civil suit being processed against Apple and other companies like Pandora and Dictionary.com for violating the Computer Fraud & Abuse Act by accessing consumer information without authorization. There were even civil suits against major corporation Telecom for tracking a German Politician 35,000 in less than a year without authorization.
I believe then though companies and the government can use personal information for the public good, it does not give them the right to meddle through people's information. If they would like authorization, then contacting that individual is the best way without violating individual rights. The moral of the story is protect yourself and your information. Some can use the data for good, but most will not.
The link to the article: iPhone or iSpy? By: Brian X. Chen, April 12, 2011.
-C
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