By Lee Hyo-sik
For people who do not want their boyfriends and girlfriends to know their whereabouts, this is one more reason not to buy Apple’s iPhone.
iPhone users now can download an application called “You trust me, right?” onto their device at the App store, which allows them to track the real-time location of fellow iPhone users through the phone’s global positioning system (GPS).
The application is stirring up a controversy, with some iPhone holders expressing concerns over the infringement upon privacy. They also say it could make it easier for couples to break up and cause more trouble between husbands and wives.
“I think it will be like wearing an electronic tracking anklet used for sex criminals. It’s an apparent infringement upon privacy,” said Kim Nam-soo, an office worker.
But others say that the application will allow iPhone users to better protect loved ones by knowing their whereabouts all the time as Korea sees the number of violent crimes increase at an explosive pace, particularly against women.
Once downloaded, iPhone users can track the location of fellow users in real time. The application also allows them to send and receive instant messages with one another. For those who do not want others to know their position, they can switch off the application but other users will know they did so.
The only way not to be tracked by others is to turn off the phone. But in this case, he or she may have to provide a valid explanation to suspicious loved ones.
Some Internet users say the controversial iPhone application is one more reason why they do not want to buy the device, stressing it will likely invade individual privacy and split more couples up.
But others say keeping an eye on loved ones in real time has been and will be effective in helping them in case of emergency.
On a review bulletin board of Apple’s App store, one female iPhone user posted a message, praising the usefulness of the controversial application. “I’ve decided to download it to keep a closer eye on my boyfriend,” she said.
But many more users, mostly men, are expressing concerns that nobody wants to be tracked by others, even by loved ones. They say more couples will break up, due to the real-time location tracking program, as they quarrel more often.
Currently, the location-tracking application is available only for iPhone. No such program has been introduced for other Smartphones powered by Google’s Android and other operating systems.