GPS tracking resolution brings privacy discussions to the forefront

For months, supporters and opponents have argued the problem of warrantless GPS tracking. With the Supreme Court unanimously agreeing that warrantless placement of a GPS tracking device was unconstitutional, law enforcement agencies will have to adapt while still benefiting from GPS tracking technology. Although the court was unanimous in its decision, there was a split in reasoning, which opened the door to ongoing discussions related to privacy. The Supreme Court was careful to limit United States v. Jones’ decision on the use of GPS tracking by law enforcement. Today’s modern technology and abundant access to information online only complicates the protection provided in the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution. We believe that the judges knew very well that many more privacy challenges would come to the Court based on alternative technologies.

Privacy in the digital age

Today’s electronic devices not only provide access to a wealth of information, they provide unprecedented convenience. The mobile phone provides the perfect example of this and will likely be one of the candidates for future cases. Twenty-five years ago, mobile phones were introduced en masse and mobility began to take shape. However, the current device has the power of a personal computer and almost makes the feature of the phone an afterthought. Internet access, two-way communication, including texting, and social media are just a few examples of how privacy can be compromised. In last week’s Supreme Court ruling, Justice Sotomayor wrote: “In the course of performing mundane tasks, Americans reveal the phone numbers they dial, the URLs they visit,” the books, groceries and medicines they buy. “Mobile phones incorporate a GPS receiver used by many aftermarket applications. Consumers go through their day not knowing that they can already be tracked by GPS or cell tower triangulation, not to mention the historical record of communications and transactions. Cell phones as well as many other conveniences come with a level of personal responsibility and responsibility.

GPS tracking offers many benefits

GPS tracking devices have not only benefited law enforcement agencies, but also consumers and business owners for more than twenty years. Those who argue that GPS tracking devices are used by ordinary citizens to illegally monitor others and employees lose a basic principle of responsibility. GPS tracking devices provide many people with valuable information that improves safety and productivity. There will always be those who take advantage of technology beyond its intended purpose. We cannot stifle the American ingenuity that benefits the majority to appease the few. If we make our opinions based on these facts, the same could be said for camcorders and recorders. Stay tuned as we will continue to monitor privacy issues in the future.