Technology as Tattletale

The New York Times is carrying an article noting the increasing presence of location-sensing technologies in our lives. It discusses several applications of the technology like tracking stolen cash from a bank, or making sure a teenage son follows the rules. The article also notes that these ultra-high resolution GPS trackers can allow freedom as much as restrict it: "Project Lifesaver, a nonprofit group in Chesapeake, Va., fits Alzheimer's patients and autistic children with radio frequency beacons disguised as bracelets, which help emergency responders find them if they are lost. Next spring the group will introduce new bracelets, created by Locator Systems, a British Columbia company, that combine radio signals with G.P.S. and cellular communications. That should allow caregivers to establish a zone where patients can safely wander, said Jim McIntosh, the company's chief executive. If patients wander off, emergency crews could receive more specific information."

Comments

Re:"As much" is the key phrase

[houghi]

Not a right as such. But that does not mean that they not should be able to do so. How do you learn trust if you do not trust them.

I knew a girl that was watched all the time by her parents. ALL THE TIME. She was not allowed to go anywhere. That was untill she was 18. Then she was out on her own. Having had no experience of what bounderies should be, she became the school slut in a matter of weeks.

And being the school slut only harms her. Having a whole generation of kids that have not learned what trust and bounderies are will result in a desaster on a much greater scale.

I agree, we should think of the children, but as them being the future, not little people that stay children all the time.

I have no problem with GPS tracking in cars

[Shivetya]

when it comes to parents (the owners of the cars) who lend them to their children. I think every parent has the right to know where their car and child is. Giving a car to a child is a big hand over of responsbility but it does not end that responsibility for the parent. The child (adult for some) is entrusted to behave as the parent instructs and operation of a car outside of direct parental supervision is not a license to be a hooligan. Once the child becomes an adult by law or moves out the use of such a device should end.

We lose too many children every year to auto accidents and perhaps knowing they are being watched over will save a few from fruitless loss. It could do very well to protect them as well from actions outside of their control - giving responders guidance to where they are in an emergency.