Location-Based Services: Time for a Privacy Check-In

Abstract

Need to get directions when you are lost? Want to know if your friends are in the neighborhood? Location-based services – applications and websites that provide services based on your current location – can put this information and more in the palm of your hand.

But outdated privacy laws and varying corporate practices could mean that sensitive information about who you are, where you go, what you do, and who you know end up being shared, sold, or turned over to the government.

Can location-based services protect your privacy? Do they? And what can we do to improve the situation?

Location-Based Services: Time for a Privacy Check-in is our new guide outlining privacy considerations for location-based services, including a side-by-side comparison of the privacy practices of several popular products. The guide highlights opportunities for consumers, businesses, and policymakers to work together to update and enhance privacy protections so that you are not forced to choose between using LBS and keeping control of your private information.

Keywords: Location-Based Services, Privacy, Technology, ACLU of Northern California, dotRights, FourSquare, Gowalla, Yelp, Google Maps

JEL Classification: K00