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GPS tracking is one of those technologies that is revolutionizing the way that society functions. This technology is used for complex military operations, to help researchers study endangered or remote species, and it even saves lives, helping emergency response teams respond faster. Last but not least, GPS tracking is used by the general public, in their smartphones, tablets, cars and other devices.

These days, GPS tracking comes standard in most smartphones, and the feature is put to great use in a wide variety of applications, but perhaps not such great use by law enforcement. With such an innovative technology, it is not surprising that law enforcement would want to use it to their advantage. The challenge that the U.S. courts are faced with is setting limits that allow law enforcement to use the technology, while protecting citizen privacy.

Over the years, as the technology becomes more and more prevalent, GPS tracking has been used quite controversially by law enforcement. A surprising number of officers have tracked suspects using their own cell phones without a warrant. The controversy has not escaped the notice of the American Civil Liberties Union, who is working to ensure that the technology is not abused.

“I highly doubt that the 90 percent of Americans who carry cell phones thought that when they got cellphone service they were giving up their privacy in their movements,” argued Catherine Crump, attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union.

Hopefully, the grey area surrounding GPS technology will be cleared up soon, to a satisfactory degree, when the U.S. Supreme Court rules on the issue in the coming months.

Article Written by Marisa O’Connor