Should Apps Be Allowed to Track Your Location? 

When it comes to apps, the issue lies behind the user and owner of those apps. Tracking location could be done by governmental agencies and we all want them to be in charge because they eventually help us retain the security and prevent dangerous cases from happening however the owner of those apps that track our location are private stakeholders. Thus, if someone aims to abuse the system and take advantage of it, they absolutely could.

Furthermore, another issue is the technical part, many apps would not even work without tracking the location and so it is impossible to prevent, however I believe it is the best to give the user the option to show the track to public or not. Snapchat for instance, added a feature where it shows when and where the user was last seen. For privacy reasons, one could use anonymous so that he/she does not appear for public where they have been lastly located.

I figure that we are in very advanced era of technology where whatever we want to do to ensure privacy will not be enough as the systems already save the database of all users up to a scary level. For example, I was looking for Halloween costumes on google and then when I navigate to my facebook page, I started seeing ads of Halloween costumes. The internet became extremely powerful and dominant way beyond the issue of tracking our location.

Second Opinion

When it comes to apps tracking your location I think it’s a good thing. But the user should have a way to turn on/off the tracking. While most apps have the option where it only tracks you while using the app I put most my apps on this. That way while I’m using a navigation app its able to give me correct directions. The other reason I like the fact that apps track your locating is having kids your able to track them where ever they go. And you can setup alerts to notify you when they arrive/leave locations you setup like home/work/school/friend’s house. Along with when they drive if something were to happen certain apps can send a message to emergency services. While we do live in an age were apps control our lives most apps need to have our location to help control our environment. An example is if you have a home setup from your cable company. This will allow you to setup and control the way your house items work. Like if you wanted your lights on in the hallway on when you get home. This will track your location and make sure that light is one when you get home. And same with going out when you leave your house you can make it that all the lights turn off. Now for the apps that don’t let you control the option to turn on/off the tracking. I think this should not be allowed. As anyone can be tracking you and you don’t know who may be doing it.