This proliferation of mobile communications is leading to new services based on the ability of providers to determine, with increasing precision, the geographic location of the accessing device. The new technologies that allow a wireless phone user to be located when calling 911 in the event of an emergency also will enable a host of new commercial applications. Thus, through both network- and handset-based technology, a subscriber to a location service can access driving directions, local news or weather, traffic delay updates, so-called "concierge" services to make dinner reservations or purchase theatre tickets, or access directory services. Similarly, through location-based systems, Intelligent Transportation Systems ("ITS") have the potential to make it possible for traffic management agencies to know where individuals travel, what routes they take, and travel duration. Finally, location-sensitive content, advertising and personalization services can be delivered to consumers based on their whereabouts.

While all of these applications and services promise enormous consumer benefit, privacy concerns abound, and must be addressed if new services and applications are be accepted by consumers. The Federal Trade Commission began exploring this issue at a December 2000 workshop. The Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association has asked the Federal Communications Commission to issue rules on location privacy. And Congress is likely to take up the issue in 2001.

Widespread Support for FCC Rulemaking on Wireless Location Privacy - Privacy groups and a broad cross-section of the wireless communications industry have urged the Federal Communications Commission to commence a proceeding to set rules for commercial use and disclosure of location information generated by cell phones and other wireless communications devices. The rules are required to clarify a 1999 wireless location amendment in which Congress required consumer "opt-in" before service providers can reuse or disclose location information. However, issues remain as to the implementation and coverage of the rule, which commenters urged the FCC to address in its proceeding. April 26, 2001

• CDT Reply Comments, April 24, 2001

CDT Urges FCC to Adopt Privacy Rules for Wireless Location Information - In comments filed April 6, CDT urged the Federal Communications Commission to craft strong, technology neutral privacy rules protecting wireless location information. Noting that wireless voice and data services are proliferating rapidly and that location information poses uniquely sensitive privacy concerns, CDT argued that a consistent and predictable set of privacy rules is necessary to protect consumers and to create the level playing field across all devices and platforms that will promote competition and innovation. April 10, 2001

• CDT wireless privacy comments, April 6, 2001

• All of the comments submitted in the FCC proceeding on wireless location privacy principles can be accessed online. The proceeding number is 01-72. Just plug that into the first box and click "Retrieve Document List"
• FTC Workshop on The Mobile Wireless Web, Data Services and Beyond: Emerging Technologies and Consumer Issues, December 11-12, 2000,

• CTIA petition to the FCC on Wireless Location Privacy Principles (.pdf), November 22, 2000

• GPS: Gotta Pay for Speeding (Article in New Haven ADvocate, June 14, 2001