Geolocation Privacy YPG Event Provides Valuable Discussion and Networking

January 23, 2012

YPG Networking Event: Geolocation Privacy
Jan. 18, 2012

photos from the event

Would you give out your social security number to a total stranger or divulge your laptop’s password? After an introduction by USGIF YPG member Mike Campanelli, Kevin Pomfret, the evening’s guest speaker, asked this question of young professionals at January’s YPG networking event. Although everyone said no, his question raised a good point for discussion. Whether we’re aware of this or not, our location divulges much more information about ourselves then we think. According to Pomfret, an Attorney at Law forLeClairRyan specializing in geolocation privacy, it has become such an immense issue that Congress is currently considering 10 bills on this topic.

Pomfret’s focus for the evening was to bring awareness to the biggest challenges addressed with geolocation privacy and how young professionals can help. The greatest geolocation challenge the government struggles with is the fine line between using geolocation information to save lives in a natural disaster and using the same information in way that is unintended or potentially harmful. Other challenges include a growing amount of lawsuits regarding violation of privacy using location. The government’s familiarity with geolocation technologies was the last challenge he touched on. Lawmakers are still unfamiliar with the various technologies and how these innovations can impact geolocation privacy. Pomfret left young professionals with the task of broadening public awareness on geolocation technologies, how to use them, and the impact these technologies can make on our lives.

Following his discussion, Pomfret encouraged young professionals to read “USGIF Board Member Jeff Jonas’ blog”:http://jeffjonas.typepad.com/ for more in-depth articles behind the science of geolocation privacy.

Afterward, Pomfret answered a plethora of questions from young professionals from how employers can use this information to track employees to the potential policy changes these challenges could bring. The next YPG networking event is a learning luncheon on Feb. 15 at the Hyatt Dulles. Details on this event will be posted to the YPG homepage at a later date. Please check back often for updates on this.

The USGIF YPG would like to give special thanks to YPG member Julie Baer. This month’s networking event was her brainchild and could not have happened without her support. Members of the YPG create concepts and assist in developing the agendas of monthly YPG events like these. If you have an idea for a networking event or would like to be added to our listserv email us at ypg@usgif.org.