Where should the line be drawn on GPS tracking—or should there be a line at all?
Response to Student One (Huda)
I agree with the student one in relation to the need to draw a line the adoption and implementation of the GPS tracking devices within the society. Huda notes that GPS is crucial in the enhancement of security processes in the society hence should be handled with care. It is ideal to note that privacy and autonomy of individuals in the society should be the priority before the adoption and implementation of GPS in improving security systems. Huda notes the need of applying GPS in tracking of goods in the transportation sector. The overriding factor in drawing the line for application of GPS should be the privacy and autonomy rights that individuals enjoy. This is an indication of the need to inform the individual that they are under extensive watch through the GPS devices or tracks (Northcutt, 2004). Huda notes the negative and positive implications of GPS in the working areas thus a reflection of ineffectiveness in relation to invasion of privacy of the employees. GPS can enable employer’s watch their workers actions during the working hours. Similarly, implementation of the GPS devices in the working places would reduce the elements of employees’ morale thus decrease in the production levels. It is also critical to note that implementation of GPS tracking devices would reduce criminal activities within the society. It adoption and application without the knowledge of the criminals is an invasion of privacy and confidentiality. Huda tackles this through identification of two categories of implementation of GPS in enhancing the security. It is also beneficial for the authority to note the extent of the crime before deciding on tracking the criminals using the GPS devices (Landau et al, 2011).
Should authorities be able to monitor the location of individuals without their knowledge? What are the risks and rewards?
Response to Student One (Huda)
I agree with Huda on the aspect of monitoring individuals without their knowledge within the society. She identifies that the act of monitoring individuals without their knowledge is an expression of invasion to the private life of the people under the context of GPS tracking devices. Individuals including criminals possess the right to privacy to be respected by the authority that makes the laws. It is illegal to monitor an individual without the warrant hence the authority should consider when to apply the tactic of monitoring individuals without their knowledge. However, it would also be beneficial for the authority to monitor criminals without their knowledge (Van der Spek et al, 2009). This would provide accurate and leading information to cases of criminal activities within the society hence an approach towards enhancing security. Huda notes the benefits of tracking individuals without their knowledge in response to the question hence provision of accurate result. It is also critical not to monitor employees without their knowledge since they have the right to privacy. Employees also have life outside the working environment hence their employers should work on promoting the confidentiality of their working force. Employees should have the knowledge that they are watched or tracked by the GPS tracking devices. Parents and school authorities should also consider informing the minors on the essence of tracking them with the GPS tracking devices since they have a life to live privately (Buchanan, 2009).
If you were to speak next at the panel discussion, what would you say?
Response to Student One (Huda)
I agree with Huda in relation to the topic of discussion during the panel. It is critical; to address the issue of privacy in the adoption and implementation of GPS tracking devices in ensuring enhanced security within the society. It is ideal to categorize the essential needs for the implementation of the GPS tracking devices in meeting the security demands. This implies that society and relevant authority should decide on where to apply informed tracking and uninformed tracking by the GPS tracking devices. This would reduce cases of constant lawsuits in relation to invasion of privacy and autonomy of individuals within the society. Implementation of GPS tracking devices should address issues of crime with the aim of achieving safe society. It is also ideal to identify and express to the panel of discussion the benefits of adoption and implementation of GPS tracking devices. This would follow effective and efficient application of the tracking device (GPS). This calls for notifying individuals on the tracking by GPS devices when it is necessary. An example of critical case to which the authority should apply tracking without the knowledge of individuals is a criminal act. Proven criminals should be under critical watch in order to minimize further damage to the security system and level in the society. The working environment should be under critical watch after notifying the relevant authority on the aspect of monitoring employees with the GPS tracking devices. This would promote confidentiality and privacy of employees while improving the production levels within the organization (Arrigo, 2011).
References
Arrigo, B. A., Bersot, H. Y., & Sellers, B. G. (2011). The ethics of total confinement: A critique of madness, citizenship, and social justice. New York: Oxford University Press.
Buchanan, E. A., & Henderson, K. A. (2009). Case studies in library and information science ethics. Jefferson, N.C: McFarland & Company.
Landau, R., Auslander, G. K., Werner, S., Shoval, N., & Heinik, J. (2011). Who should make the decision on the use of GPS for people with dementia?. Aging & Mental Health, 15(1), 78- 84. doi:10.1080/13607861003713166
Northcutt, S. (2004). IT ethics handbook: Right and wrong for IT professionals ; [your complete survival guide to right and wrong]. Rockland, Mass: Syngress.
Usefulness of commercially available GPS data-loggers for tracking human movement and exposure to dengue virus. (2009). International Journal of Health Geographics, 868-78.
van der Spek, S., van Schaick, J., de Bois, P., & de Haan, R. (2009). Sensing Human Activity: GPS Tracking. Sensors (14248220), 9(4), 3033-3055. doi:10.3390/s90403033
