Emerging Trends and Impacts - Coursework Example

Emerging Trends and Impacts al Affiliation Table of Contents Introduction 4 Location-Based Information: An Overview 4 Benefits and Drawbacks for Consumers when Considering Location-Based Information 6 Instructions for Consumers to Identify Risks and Protect Personal Privacy 7 Conclusion 8 References 9 Abstract The current discourse focuses on a discussion on location-based information. As such, the paper hereby aims to explore and survey the benefits and drawbacks for consumers when considering location-based information. In addition, the instructions for consumers to identify risks and protect their personal privacy would also be presented. The benefits of LBS emphasize the immense costs to be saved and the convenience that are to be accorded to consumers in facilitating arrival at planned destinations. However, the disadvantage of exposing consumers to potential loss of personal identification or privacy would be identified. As such, consumers are provided with instructions to identify risks, as well as adhere to proposed guidelines in keeping their personal identification safe, both in the short and long-run. Emerging Trends and Impacts Introduction The continually evolving technological and communication facets of the macro external environment enable innovative trends to emerge. In the field of business intelligence and analytics, emerging trends include areas such as location-based analytics, geospatial analytics, mobile platforms, cloud-based analytics, and consumer oriented analytical applications (Sharda, Delen, & Turban, 2014). The current discourse focuses on a discussion on location-based information. As such, the paper hereby aims to explore and survey the benefits and drawbacks for consumers when considering location-based information. In addition, the instructions for consumers to identify risks and protect their personal privacy would also be presented. Location-Based Information: An Overview Location-based services (LBS) are defined as “applications that provide information to users based on their location” (Location-Based Services: Time for a Privacy Check-In, n.d., p. 1). These LBS are reported to be increasing in variety and number, to include the following: navigation tools, such as MapQuest, to assist in providing accurate directions to reach intended destinations; search options (Yelp) to locate nearby business locations (restaurants, private and public organizations, or events destinations); “friend-finders and social networking (e.g., Loopt and Google Buzz); applications that allow… “check in” at certain locations (e.g., foursquare); and applications that can link… location to other activities (e.g., Twitter and Facebook)” (Location-Based Services: Time for a Privacy Check-In, n.d., p. 1). From the definition and examples of LBS, it could be deduced that these applications facilitate provision of crucial information for users in terms of identifying accurate directions to arrive at intended destinations in the most efficient manner. The most popular form of LBS was noted to be the Global Positioning System (GPS) which reportedly allows users to “to determine position on the Earth’s surface, in the precise coordinates of a formally specified location, to within meters and in some cases centimeters” (Kennedy, 2002; Leick, 2004; cited in Goodchild, n.d., p. 2). As learned, GPS per se is not very valuable (Goodchild, n.d.). The value of GPS was emphasized in terms of integration with other applications or other information-based systems, such as digital maps, database systems of commercial and public establishments, and those installed in in-vehicle navigation systems (Goodchild, n.d.). The manner by which LBS determine users locations are explained in the visual illustration below: Source: Location-Based Services: Time for a Privacy Check-In, n.d., p. 4 Benefits and Drawbacks for Consumers when Considering Location-Based Information The benefits for consumers when considering location-based information include the convenience and ease in facilitating provision of accurate information on the location of intended destinations. Location-based information facilitates social interaction by providing crucial and updated data to relatives, friends, and acquaintances. Likewise, it has been noted to be advantageous for endeavors such as addressing emergency situations, facilitating military operations and construction services (Goodchild, n.d.). The examples are hereby cited in greater detail, as follows: “an emergency responder may find it difficult to determine his or her current location, particularly if street signs and house numbers have been obliterated, or if the street pattern itself has become distorted, or if visibility is obscured by smoke or dust (NRC, in press). In such situations it is useful to have a mobile device equipped with GPS and a map database, and if possible to receive real-time feeds of other data sets, including recent post-event imagery. In the construction industry, LBS offers the possibility of on-site access to databases showing the underground locations of infrastructure, allowing workers to dig without risk of interrupting services” (Goodchild, n.d., p. 3). As such, it assists in minimizing costs that are to be incurred in terms of time, effort, and resources in communicating location-based information; as compared to other options without access to LBS. In addition, the proliferation of technological gadgets and devices such as smartphones, other mobile devices (PDA), personal computers, or in-vehicle navigation systems, enable increased preponderance for access to LBS. On the other hand, there are drawbacks that were identified when considering location-based information. The most important disadvantage is intrusion of personal privacy or loss of privacy (Location-Based Services: Time for a Privacy Check-In, n.d.). Other drawbacks include being barraged with advertisements or promotional campaigns. As emphasized, “outdated privacy laws and inadequate privacy policies mean that consumers will not be able to trust that their sensitive location information will remain private” (Location-Based Services: Time for a Privacy Check-In, n.d., p. 16). Consumers should advocate for policymakers and regulators to update privacy laws with auto-update options to ensure that the personal information would be protected at all times. Instructions for Consumers to Identify Risks and Protect Personal Privacy The Federal Trade Commission has provided authoritative information for consumers to identify risks and to protect personal privacy (Federal Trade Commission, 2012). The approach was categorized into four main ways, as follows: “know who you share information with; store and dispose of your personal information securely, especially your Social Security number; ask questions before deciding to share your personal information; and maintain appropriate security on your computers and other electronic devices” (Federal Trade Commission, 2012, p. 1). These main guidelines would be discussed in greater detail, as follows: 1. Keep Personal Information Secure Offline Financial documents containing personal information, bank account numbers, and other data must be kept in a safe and secure place at home or at work. It is advisable to limit carrying cards with personal information when going out. Only those that are intended to be used should be brought according to intended schedule. The Social Security card should be left at home in a safe place. A copy of the Medicare card should be made, but the copy which should be carried should have the last four digits blacked out. The original card should only be carried when there is an appointment with the doctor. When receipts, invoices, insurance forms, or bank statements are not needed anymore, shred them. Bank documents or newly re-ordered checks should not be mailed to the home. 2. Keep Personal Information Secure Online Be vigilant of impersonators. Remove personal information in computer or digital devices prior to disposal of these hardware devices. Be aware of the need to encrypt personal data and information. Always ensure that passwords are kept private and confidential. Be wary of the information being shared in social networking sites. 3. Secure Social Security Number Be aware of organizations and reasons for disclosing social security numbers. The following information were required to be asked when third parties require disclosure of the social security number: “why they need it how it will be used how they will protect it what happens if you don’t share the number” (Federal Trade Commission, 2012, p. 1). 4. Keep Devices Secure Install security software Avoid opening emails from suspicious senders Be vigilant of using public wireless networks and disclosing private information while logged in a public domain Secure personal information and access credentials in personal computers or laptops Ensure that privacy policies are read and understood prior to agreeing to the stipulated conditions. Conclusion The current discourse successfully achieved its objective of enhancing one’s knowledge on location-based information through exploring and surveying the benefits and drawbacks for consumers when considering LBS. Likewise, instructions for identifying risks and protecting consumers’ personal privacy were also expounded. The benefits of LBS have been aptly explained given the immense costs saved and the convenience accorded to consumers in facilitating arrival at planned destinations. However, the disadvantage of exposing consumers to potential loss of personal identification or privacy has been identified. As such, consumers were provided with instructions to identify risks, as well as adhere to proposed guidelines in keeping their personal identification safe, both in the short and long-run. References Federal Trade Commission. (2012, July). How to Keep Your Personal Information Secure. Retrieved January 26, 2015, from consumer.ftc.gov: http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0272-how-keep-your-personal-information-secure Goodchild, M. (n.d.). Location-Based Services. Retrieved January 25, 2015, from National Center for Geographic Information and Analysis, and Department of Geography, University of California: http://www.geog.ucsb.edu/~good/papers/471.pdf Kennedy, M. (2002). The Global Positioning System and GIS: An Introduction. 2nd Edition. New York: Taylor and Francis. Leick, A. (2004). GPS Satellite Surveying. 2nd Edition. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Location-Based Services: Time for a Privacy Check-In. (n.d.). Retrieved January 25, 2015, from ACLU of Northern California: http://aclunc-tech.org/files/lbs-privacy-checkin.pdf Sharda, R., Delen, D., & Turban, E. (2014). Business Intelligence and Analytics: Systems for Decision Support. Prentice Hall. Read More