The legal framework of satellite tracking, in particular its problems related to privacy

Paper number

IAC-10,E7,1,25,x7631

Author

Ms. Henna Niemi, University of Lapland, Finland

Year

2010

Abstract

The aim of the present paper is to discuss the prospects and the emerging legal problems related to the rapidly growing satellite tracking technology. The present technology enables people and objects to be tracked easily and accurately. The tracking services are rapidly growing and some studies show that the growing rate is as high as 25 % per year. In 2006, it was estimated that in 2020 there are approximately three billion receivers. As the tracking technology already provides accurate services, making it possible to track one’s location with the accuracy of a few meters or even centimetres, the potential for different applications based on it seems enormous.

Simultaneously with the growing use of satellite tracking applications, several legal problems emerge. It seems that in this field, legislation in international as well as national levels has major difficulties to keep up with the rapid development of technology. Therefore, to mention a few, the questions of national security and sovereignty, responsibilities and privacy issues related to satellite tracking, need to be discussed. 

Herein the main focus is on the question of privacy. Tracking can easily violate one’s privacy as the present technology allows people to be tracked accurately and unnoticed. Furthermore, the equipment are constantly developed smaller and inexpensive which has already made them widely accessible. For instance, GPS-based services are already commonly used with mobile phones.

Legislation especially related to privacy in this regard seems scarce both in international and national levels. Nevertheless, the existing legislation, for instance the national privacy laws, may restrict the use of satellite tracking applications in many ways. The aim of this paper is to examine further the national and international privacy legislation and clarify how they presently restrict satellite tracking.

Abstract document

IAC-10,E7,1,25,x7631.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-10,E7,1,25,x7631.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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