GPS Tracking and Mobile Device Data Collection

The NYTimes article had me thinking about privacy issues with data collection in mobile devices. Similar to the Numerati argument, I am all for it. If I am walking down the street and I type restaurant into Google, I would prefer it to show me the menu, reviews, and prices for the restaurants near me. Just as I expect my products and services to be individualized to me, I would like my marketing and advertising to be personalized to me as well. If it means that the GPS is tracking me or what I have clicked on is recorded in a database somewhere, so be it. This just shows the power of the digital era in marketing. If done correctly, advertising can be placed at the right place and at the right time so that it is no longer advertising, it is information that people want. Mobile devices are the epitome of this characteristic because when people are on the go, the easier it is to find information/advertising, the better.