LBS -> Privacy Issues and LBS

A simple search done on google with a search term “what is privacy?” returned 5880 pages. Though there are so many different definitions available, many agree that there is no clear definition for privacy. Some of the definitions found on the web are:

“… It defies easy definition. Privacy is a personal subjective condition. One person cannot decide for another what his or her sense of privacy should be.” (privacilla.org)

“Privacy is the expectation that confidential personal information disclosed in a private place will not be disclosed to third parties, when that disclosure would cause either embarrassment or emotional distress to a person of reasonable sensitivities. Information is interpreted broadly to include facts, images (e.g., photographs, videotapes), and disparaging opinions.”(Ronald B. Standler. 1997)

“The problem with this word ‘privacy’ is that it falls short of conveying the really big picture. Privacy isn’t just about hiding things. It’s about self-possession, autonomy, and integrity. As we move into the computerized world of the twenty-first century, privacy will be one of our most important civil rights.” (Simpson Garfinkel, 2000)

Wide usage of LBS can give rise to privacy issues as discussed in location database and information warfare