Geolocation and Locational Privacy

Abstract

Radio frequency identification (RFID) and global positioning system (GPS) technologies are complementary strategies for determining a subject’s instantaneous location. Whereas RFID tracking requires readers positioned at appropriate choke points in a circulation network, GPS allows continuous tracking, especially if linked in real time to the wireless telephone system. But because of signal attenuation in buildings and multipath-corrupted signals in urban canyons, GPS does not guarantee reliable, uninterrupted tracking. Privacy issues raised by GPS tracking and its amalgamation with RFID include the retention period, the ownership of an individual’s locational history, and a “locate-me” button that would extend “opt-in” protection to cellular-telephone users. Potential for abuse heightens concern about locational privacy as a basic right.