Camera Phoned Home
I just read an article about new technology that allows different items (cameras, computers, etc) to send pictures and other files wirelessly from the gadget. In some instances, these technologies caught people who stole items with the installed technology. The article touts this technology as enabling victims to retrieve their possessions. But, does it make it easier for people and governments to spy on us? If it can send pictures to our email, could the government also get them? Could someone turn on the icam on my mac and watch me (they would be incredibly bored…)?
I read a separate article about researchers who tracked the location of people using their cell phones and nearby wireless towers. The participants didn’t know they were participating in the study. Northeastern couldn’t do this study in the US, because it is illegal. Still, makes you wonder if it is already being done (which you know it is… to some degree at least).
This all sounds like those darn grocery store keychain discount cards that tracked our purchases. They seem convenient and helpful - but when you find out the real purpose behind these types of technologies, it is disturbing!