It was predictable when Google’s latest gadget was announced. I have to admit, it was my first thought, “what? You mean if I sign up to this people can find out where I am 24/7? No thanks!” But then I performed a quick test and worked out it was all completely user controlled and if you wanted, you could just set your location away from where you actually were. But now, the privacy police are on the case, criticising Google Latitude (no, nothing to do with my employer!) and suggesting it is a breach of personal privacy.
Of course Google just aren’t that stupid. They will have made sure every possible permutation was considered before launching Google Latitude to the public and I am sure it is all covered in their terms and conditions.
The fact of the matter is that for somebody to be able to follow your location on Google Latitude they have to:
1. Know your log in email address
2. Ask to know your location and be accepted by you!
So if you are stupid enough to share your location with someone who you shouldn’t, is this Googles fault?
I do have one question for Mr.Google though on their latest product. Where would they stand if the police (or some higher authority) suspected me of doing naughty things and wanted access to my Google Latitude account? Would they hand it over? I suspect they would. So whilst I find the new toy from Google interesting and will continue to use it for the time being, I would be shying away from doing so if I had anything to hide.