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Location Services and You
Mobile phone tracking services work by identifying the physical location of a mobile phone or other mobile device. This could be your own mobile phone or the mobile phone of a relative, friend or work colleague.A wide range of new services are possible using location services including telling you how to get to the nearest cash machine or chemist; allowing a parent to identify the location of his or her child; making it easier for friends to meet up for an evening out; and assisting firms with the security of lone workers.
All mobile phone tracking services are subject to the legal requirements of the Data Protection Act. For consumers this means that mobile tracking information can be used only after consent is provided by the user of the phone being located. For business users, employers must explain to their employees how mobile tracking information will be used before it is collected.
The Data Protection Act requires that customers are made aware of:
- who their mobile tracking company is;
- the purposes for which personal data - including location information - will be collected and processed;
- whether data will be sent to a third party for the purpose of providing the location service and length of time for processing data, including storage, will be
In addition to data protection legislation, participants in the UK location services industry - including both location service providers and mobile phone operators - have agreed a Code of Practice for the provision of location services. This Code of Practice sets out additional requirements for different types of mobile tracing services. This includes requirements relating to:
- registration of individuals and organisations using location and mobile tracing information
- provision of reminders on location services operating on a mobile phone
- how customers can stop a locating service which is running on their phone and prevent tracking of a mobile; and
- responsibilities of a locating business or other organisation.
While details vary, all mobile
tracking services depend on the
disclosure of where you are to companies
or to other individuals. This offers you
significant opportunities to use new
services. However, these services should
be used with the same care as you would
take in telling other people your
location in a phone call or SMS.
Further, unlike a phone call or SMS,
they can provide information on your
location over a period of time.
Only consent to the use of your mobile
phone being tracked if you would be
willing to provide the same company or
individual with details of where you are
in a phone call or SMS. Be aware that
your consent may apply for a period of
time. Don’t forget that you can withdraw
your consent to the mobile phone
tracking at any time.
If you have any concerns about
your safety which relate to the
operation of our mobile tracing service
then you should contact us as soon as
you are able on 0870.7876.980 or email
us at
support@world-tracker.com.
Only consent to the use of your location
information if you would be willing to
provide the same company or individual
with details of where you are in a phone
call or SMS. Be aware that your consent
may apply for a period of time. Don’t
forget that you can withdraw your
consent to being located at any time.
If you have immediate safety concerns
then you should, as in other
circumstances, contact the police by
dialling 999 or 112.
If a user of a location service believes
that the industry Code of Practice is
being breached by the location service
provider, he or she may contact the
Mobile Broadband Group by e-mail at
mobilebg@btopenworld.com or write to
The Secretariat, Mobile Broadband Group,
PO Box 34586, London SE15 5YA.