Government agencies apply location-based data in order to reinforce them as a primary machinery in the government, which is facilitates the application of oversight and administrative functions tasked to various government agencies. There are a variety of agencies in the government, which vary in the nature of their operation. However, location-based data has played an important role in assisting in the execution of service through enhancing communication and location of the interior parts within the areas of jurisdiction. In addition, location-based data can assist the different government agents to communicate, particularly in interior parts where the possibility of losing one of the agents is considered high. This helps enhance coordination between the government agents in the execution of service.
Law enforcement agencies are using location-based tracking data for their daily operations. Law enforcement agencies are mainly concerned with the implementation of the law. Consequently, they mainly use location-based data in locating the suspects of certain crimes through the use of location-based tracking technologies. Moreover, the spatial patterns that are revealed by location-associated data help in the revelation of the particular location where crime takes place Thus, the law enforcement agencies can utilize the spatial patterns that are created to understand the relationships and patterns of various crimes in any given area. Consequently, location-based data has played an imperative role in research and optimization of policing services, particularly in urban areas.
Before utilizing any location-based service, it is crucial to conduct an investigation on the data that is collected by the application, the legitimacy of the company or individual offering the service, third-parties and partners and the mechanism through which data is shared with the affiliates. Moreover, I also consider the unintentional and intentional data flows from the location-based service in order to determine the identifiable nature of the data, in combination with different elements of the company database (Brimicombe & Li, 2009). Understanding data flows, presents an important step in preventing mishaps in location-based privacy malfunctions or leakages.
Personally, I always aim to treat any information that I disclose as sensitive private information. I always ensure that the applications I use provide a clear disclosure to the consumers on the location-based data they require during my usage. This provides me an opportunity for user consent making me aware that my location-based data is being shared with a third-party. Failure to observe such a feature may lead me to immediately remove the application from my mobile technology devices.
It is important for consumers to ensure that they are aware of the collection of their personal data by various mobile technology platforms. Consequently, consumers should be sensitive on the application of that data after collection by the service-providers. However, the location-based information collection has proven to be an imperative step in facilitating businesses and enforcement of laws. Consequently, consumers should embrace location-based services selectively and carry out due diligence before employing any location-based service.
References
Brimicombe, A., & Li, C. (2009). Location-based services and geo-information engineering. Chichester, UK: Wiley-Blackwell.
