http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/20090204/ap_on_hi_te/tec_google_people_tracker_6
This article shows how you can find out where your friends and family are at any time through the Google Maps application for you mobile phone. Even though the feature requires you to turn the capability on and off, I still think that it is a serious invasion of privacy.
If someone leaves it on (on accident) after using it or trying it then anyone else can find out where they are. This is a serious threat to people that they may not be aware of. For example, if an adolescent is using it to keep in contact with their parents, and leaves it on while the go play in the park, some type of criminal could come abduct the child or other things of that nature.
On the other hand, it could be beneficial if used in the right context. For example, if your mother has her finding capability turned on, and its her birthday, you can find out where she is and surprise her. Or, if your friend is new to a city ( in this case a campus), you can see where he is and give him directions to your location.
I think the concept behind the new feature to the program is good, but it can easily be used in a bad way.
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You're right that there are some serious safety and privacy concerns. So do you think the good outweighs the bad? Is it just one of those products where people have to decide for themselves whether or not the benefits outweigh the potential negatives?
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