Topic: Gps Tracking

The National Security Agency (NSA) issued a warning clarifying that turning off "location services" on a smartphone does not disable the GPS or prevent apps from tracking a user's movements. The agency noted that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals can still be used to determine a device's location even when primary tracking is disabled. This advisory highlights the persistent surveillance capabilities inherent in modern mobile devices.

A producer who works in vehicle repossession explains how finance companies can now remotely disable cars and use GPS and license plate scanners to locate them. The hosts compare this modern surveillance to older technology, such as the 25-year-old Lexus and corded car phones, which they consider "classic" and potentially safer from remote interference.

A producer note reveals that credit unions and finance companies often install GPS tracking units in vehicles sold to individuals with low credit ratings. These devices allow lenders to easily locate and repossess cars in the event of missed payments. The hosts discuss the privacy implications of built-in vehicle tracking systems.

A report highlights how commercial companies can track phone locations down to the front door using carrier data. Testing with an older Nokia E71 suggests that legacy devices or specific privacy measures like Faraday cabinets may successfully block this type of third-party surveillance.

The hosts propose a "Blockr" product that would scramble GPS tracking data to protect user privacy. They discuss Adobe's findings that 28% of website traffic is non-human, driven by the Internet of Things and automated microservices. The conversation concludes that monetizing the network through advertising is becoming increasingly difficult as bot traffic rises and users resist tracking.

A personal anecdote about using a physical leash for a toddler in airports leads to a discussion on modern technological alternatives. The concept of using GPS-enabled necklaces and smartphone apps to create "geofences" for children is explored. The hosts joke about the potential for "shock collars" to train children for a future of societal compliance.

Adam Curry describes a digital skywriting project performed by following a GPS track and reporting it to ground stations via APRS. The flight path was visible live on the web and shared with a ham radio Reddit group. Feedback from the online community was mixed, with some users comparing it unfavorably to a man who walked across Japan to create a GPS proposal.

The television show "Chicago PD" featured a scene where characters claimed they could "reverse the signal" of a GPS device to find out who was tracking it. This type of fictional technology is criticized for being nonsensical and misleading to the general public. Such portrayals contribute to a lack of understanding regarding how actual digital surveillance and hacking work in the real world.

Lenders for subprime auto loans are increasingly installing GPS-based kill switches that allow them to remotely disable vehicles if payments are missed. Beyond debt collection, this technology provides a framework for the state to monitor driving habits and issue automated fines for speeding or illegal U-turns. Similar systems are already mandatory for taxi cabs in cities like Amsterdam.

Bloomberg News reported that hospitals are purchasing consumer data from brokers to predict patient illness and treatment costs. This data is harvested from drugstore and grocery store loyalty cards, tracking every transaction a consumer makes. The hosts warn that this information is shared with insurance companies to potentially adjust rates based on purchasing habits, such as food choices.

Senator Chuck Schumer is proposing a Department of Justice-funded plan to provide GPS tracking devices for autistic children at risk of wandering. The devices could be worn on the wrist or "implanted under the skin." The hosts view this as a "baby step" toward universal human chipping. The episode concludes with a sign-off from FEMA Region 6 and Northern Silicon Valley.

Under-reported riots in Greece are highlighted, alongside a scientific study suggesting that adding lithium to drinking water increases life expectancy and provides a sedative effect. In Anaheim, California, a school district is reportedly issuing GPS devices to chronically late students to track their movements.

Rental car companies in Australia are using GPS devices to track travelers and fine them for speeding, a trend expected to move into personal vehicles. In the UK, law firms are sending thousands of letters to individuals accused of downloading copyrighted pornography, demanding a settlement fee of 495 pounds to avoid public court cases. This practice is described as a new form of "legal extortion" targeting internet users.

A new product in the UK called "Buddy" allows family members to track the GPS location of elderly relatives. The hosts mock the marketing of the device, which they dub "Chipping Granny," as a form of "slave jewelry" for the elderly. They discuss the normalization of constant surveillance under the guise of safety and peace of mind.

Judge David Kobos of Midland, Texas, implements a program using GPS ankle monitors to track truant students. The program, which utilizes technology from the BI Corporation, allows the court to "send in the troops" if a student leaves a prescribed school zone.

In a featured interview, Judge David Kobos explains his use of GPS ankle monitors for truant students in Midland, Texas. He defends the practice as a "Class C misdemeanor" enforcement tool and claims a 90-95% compliance rate after 12 years of implementation.

An Arab-American student discovered an FBI GPS tracking device on his car, leading to a confrontation when agents demanded its return. The hosts discuss the legality of such surveillance and briefly mention financial analyst Mike Maloney's "dead cat bounce" theory regarding the future of the U.S. dollar.

Police Chief Mike Chitwood of Daytona Beach, Florida, has implemented a GPS ankle monitoring program for high-risk juveniles to combat local crime. The program, a partnership with the Department of Juvenile Justice, tracks offenders every 10 seconds and alerts authorities if they leave permitted zones.

A recent ruling by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has made it legal for law enforcement to enter private driveways to attach GPS tracking devices to vehicles. The hosts discuss the implications for privacy and the disparity in how these laws affect people with gated properties versus those without.

A new crop circle depicting an owl appeared on Woodborough Hill in Wiltshire, sparking a brief debate on its origins. The conversation shifts to reports that the Palm Pre smartphone uploads user GPS location data to the manufacturer. While the data is reportedly anonymized, the hosts express concern over the trend of constant device tracking.