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Did we forget Privacy?
In today’s world, privacy is a major concern for every mobile user and not everyone would want someone else to monitor his movements. Hence, the user is given the choice to "Opt-In" and "Opt-Out" of the service. It must always be ensured that each mobile user who is subject to location requests has opted-in for a specific service that requires locating them. An easy Opt-out mechanism should also be developed for such services.
For LBS applications, privacy can be assessed based on the type of application, the usage scenario and tracked entity. It can relate to an individual subscriber or a set of mobile workers for an enterprise. For individuals, they should be allowed to have full control over any location information that is being transmitted about them and should be informed of why, how and when this information is sent.
Enterprise level privacy is traditionally used to enable mobile staff to work productively. Personal subscription level privacy does not matter as the whole workforce tries to achieve a well defined set of goals and targets. It becomes the responsibility of the back office and managerial staff to effectively communicate the need of such applications and ingenuously help in reducing the frustration levels of the field staff.
Looking ahead, market players need to increase their horizon for LBS technology. With the advent of RFID and Wi-Fi, Bluetooth capabilities in mobile devices, the future looks bright. Near-field-communication (NFC) technologies can be used for tracking, asset management and a host of other location curious applications. The time is ripe for location based services both in terms of business opportunities and technological advancements. Location based services possess the unique capability to be the killer application of the future and lead mankind into the next generation of mobility.
The author is a senior developer with T-systems
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are personal. CIOL need not necessarily subscribe to the views of the author.
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