"What is the predictable endpoint of the trend toward ever cheaper, ever smaller, and ever more sensitive GPS receivers? It’s the GPS dot: a miniature GPS tracking device that we’ll buy in bulk and stick on almost everything of value that we own. But the dot has a dark side: the capability it enables for secret and potentially malicious tracking of others. The need to protect ourselves from invasive tracking will motivate use of subversive tools such as GPS jammers and spoofers. A rise in the use of these illicit tools has the potential to wreak havoc on the «good» GPS receivers — those built into our critical systems and infrastructure. The result: A looming showdown between privacy and GPS integrity."
The GPS Dot and its Discontents
Interesting article Rich. Thanks for sharing.
Doug
People seem concerned about privacy but, when you carry a cell-phone, you are already being tracked.
The problem is not GPS. GPS is passive. Its the radio or cellular compnent that is active and shares your location data.
Gun don't kill people. People kill people. (Same argument - Don't blame the technology, blame the morons that misuse it.....)
True, it's the cell phone that communicates your location to the voyeurs. Also, cell phones seem to still work in locations where GPS is not readable (inside reinforced concrete buildings, for example). So the expedient thing to do for the person who wants to use a cell phone and at the same time be protected from a GPS tracking device that has been planted on the person or vehicle is to jam the GPS, except while navigating.
This is true. And it's not the GPS chip in the phone you have to worry about. It's the cell radio pinging towers that gives your position away. The only option you have to avoid that is to remove the battery or turn off the cell radio.
> This is true. And it's not the GPS chip in the phone you have to worry about. It's the cell radio pinging towers that gives your position away. The only option you have to avoid that is to remove the battery or turn off the cell radio.
No worries. I haven't owned a cell phone for 5 years.