Introduction.

Fixing your position on a GPS SatNav system, whether hand-held, in your car or on your bike is nothing new – and can be a truly essential function to have when you’re out and about. However, what about fixing your position via an applet on your cell phone? Well, again if you’re absolutely lost or just can’t find the place you’re looking for then this again is an invaluable tool to have with you. But, if you then combine it with a social networking app like FourSquare – you might actually start to attract unwanted attention!

Who knows your position.

The FourSquare App.

Apps like FourSquare advertize themselves as the latest thing in ‘fun’ software for your phone. Hey, how cool must it be for your friends to know how close by you are – or even what you’re really up to? The problem is that far too many users of these apps seem to be completely unaware of the privacy issues associated with them, leaving the app ‘open’ to public view means that anyone else in the area with FourSquare on their phone will not only see you but, in all probability know all about you too! That’s right, unless you’ve locked down the privacy settings on FourSquare within moments anyone can see not just where you are but your name and then can easily find the link to say your Facebook page and look up all your details or, a very least, Google you and build a version of your life story according to the internet.

Am I bothered?

OK, so perhaps that doesn’t bother you? You know all your details are out there for all to see. But just spare a thought for these two questions on ‘geo-locative’ apps on your GPS enabled phone. If a complete stranger knows you’re walking into a bar or are away from home on vacation etc – and they can easily get your address from other sources, what happens if they then let ‘Burglar Bill’ know that you’re away from home for a while? Worse, how will you feel if, whilst you’re sitting down enjoying  drink or a meal with friends, some total stranger walks up to you and starts relaying your life history etc – creepy or what? The fact of the matter is that GPS and geo-location reporting is a fantastic tool to have – but do think carefully before opening it up to being linked to all your other internet details.