Chapter 10: Privacy Considerations for Internet Location

Overview

The word "privacy" has at least two common meanings. One refers to the situation of being free from interruption, harassment, or general interference, including being observed. The other has to do with having information related to an individual that is kept in confidence-just to themselves or between them and others.

In discussing privacy with particular reference to location information, the second meaning of these definitions is the most pertinent. Of course, loss of confidentiality with respect to the location of a person may lead to their peace and chosen solitude (in the first sense of the word privacy) being invaded. However, the focus of the discussion in this chapter is about how and when location information with respect to an individual can be made available to others and how this should be prevented when privacy constraints require that it be maintained in confidence.

Generally speaking, privacy control means having a set of rules controlling the relationship between the two following quantities.

• Identity A set of data that uniquely distinguish a person

• Personal information A set of data from which others could be said to learn about, or gain insight into, that person

It is not as straightforward as might be thought to codify identity. Names are a useful start; they were largely invented for the purpose, but they are not necessarily unique and they can be changed. From a philosophical perspective, it could be argued that identity is, in fact, the sum-total of the personal information. We do not need to wrestle with that, however. Suffice it to say that, in a system where "location" can be regarded as a piece of personal information, privacy is about ensuring that location is only associated with identity in the appropriate situation.