Big Google is watching you...

Here's an interesting story about a brand-new feature from Google Maps, Latitude. It comes from the website www.mobileshop.com and explains how the global giants had to consider many factors before launching its new service.

A new feature launched by Google this week required the company to think "long and hard" about how to give users total control.
In a statement to mark the release of Latitude - an opt-in accompaniment to Google Maps that enables people to see the location of their friends and family - the company said privacy settings for the gadget are adjustable so participants can measure how much information they share.
The system works by allowing a user to invite others to join Latitude, after which their profile then appears on a map to show where they are. Although "it won't pinpoint your exact location", it can provide directions to where people are and provide "a good idea of where your friends are at a given time".
However, Google said people with this feature on their mobile phones can choose to hide their profile, or even turn it off altogether if they want privacy.
The feature is available for various handsets including some BlackBerry devices and Nokia smartphones. Support for the Apple iPhone and the T-Mobile G1 is "coming soon".
Google's official blog suggested that the gadget might be ideal for those who need to see if a loved one is stuck in traffic or if their plane has landed safely.
Would you share your location with friends?

Well, would you? It seems as though, far from being scared of such 'Big Brother' technology, people are prepared to accept it as long as it's their choice. Can you imagine the outcry if the state tried to impose something like this?
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