GPS manufacturer TomTom's reputation took a hit after admitting to selling data to Dutch police, in order to find the spots where drivers regularly exceed speed limits and adjust radar locations accordingly.
While apologizing to its customers, TomTom took no responsibility for the situation, claiming to be unaware its data was being used in such a way. Their primary goal was to ''work with road authorities around the world to use anonymous traffic information to help make roads flow more efficiently and safer''.
No matter what they say, the story is rehashing the Big Brother debate yet again. How far will governments go to collect information on their people and control their daily lives?
At a time when smartphones keep offering more and more navigation services, GPS manufacturers are losing money and market shares. In fact, the GPS market dropped 15 percent last year, dragging TomTom's quarterly results below their initial forecasts.
Source : ZDNet.fr
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| Photo: TomTom |
While apologizing to its customers, TomTom took no responsibility for the situation, claiming to be unaware its data was being used in such a way. Their primary goal was to ''work with road authorities around the world to use anonymous traffic information to help make roads flow more efficiently and safer''.
No matter what they say, the story is rehashing the Big Brother debate yet again. How far will governments go to collect information on their people and control their daily lives?
At a time when smartphones keep offering more and more navigation services, GPS manufacturers are losing money and market shares. In fact, the GPS market dropped 15 percent last year, dragging TomTom's quarterly results below their initial forecasts.
Source : ZDNet.fr