Amazon Granted Location Tracking Patent

bizwriter writes "A new patent for Amazon just put the company squarely in the location tracking controversy. It covers a system to not only track, through mobile devices, where individuals or aggregated users have been, but to determine where they're likely to go next to better target ads, coupons, or other messages that could appear on a mobile phone or on displays that individuals are likely to see in their travels. The system could also use someone's identity to further tailor the marketing according to demographic information."

Comments

This is good news!

[Zandamesh]

Just don't buy from amazon and you won't be tracked!

Already doing it?

[alphred]

The last update of the Amazon Android app had a new security requirement that it be able to read your GPS and gather fine location data. That was the end of that app on my device. I don't mind that they track what I look at on their web site or thru their app, but to track where I am to be able to sell that information to others just pisses me off.

On the other hand, perhaps I should load the app, but only turn it on when I'm in Barnes and Noble looking at Nooks.

Re:As terrible as it sounds...

[Trepidity]

I kinda hope they do in this case, and turn the whole user-tracking area into a patent minefield that companies are afraid to touch.