Technology is making our behavior more and more difficult to keep secret. Right at this very moment, there is probably some way that your location can be tracked in a way that researchers could use the information. Do you have a smartphone with you? Is there an RFID tag in your shirt, your backpack, credit card or some other personal item? Are you in your car, and does it have a GPS device? All of these are ways that your location and movements might be tracked.

For instance, rental cars can be tracked using GPS. Suppose a research firm contracts with an insurance firm to study the way people drive when using a rental car. A customers every movement is then tracked. So, if the customer stops at a fast-food restaurant, the researcher knows. If the customer goes to the movie when he or she should be on a sales call, the researcher knows. If the customer is speeding, the researcher knows.

Clearly, modern technology is making confidentiality more and more difficult to maintain. Although legitimate uses of this type of technology may assist in easing traffic patterns and providing better locations for service stations, shopping developments, and other retailers, at what point does the collection of such information become a concern? When would you become concerned about having your whereabouts constantly tracked?

Question

1. Suppose a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) research firm is approached by the state legislature and asked to provide data about vehicle movement within the state for all cars that can be tracked with direct GPS or through the owner's smartphone. Based on the movement of the cars (and phones) over a certain time, the police can decide when a car was speeding. They intend on using this data to send speeding tickets to those who moved too far, too fast. Also, if an underage driver spends too long parked by an adult only establishment, police will be notified to investigate. If you are the research firm, would you supply the data? Discuss the ethical implications of the decision.