Another potential tracking system.
[QUOTE=Sir Phukzalot]
A few things that should make you go hmm:
Illinois iPass
GPS mapping
GPS enabled cell phones
Cell phones & the providing of phone call records to big brother
Intersection cameras (and not just the ones in big boxes with flashing lights)
email route tracing
IP address tracking[/QUOTE]
I have BMW Assist in my personal auto. When I push the button to speak to an operator, the operator responds in a few seconds and confirms my location. It takes the operator less than 30 seconds to perform this feat. I will have to check to see if they can track the vehicle's location when I am not actively using BMW Assist. This system is similar to On Star in the services provided so it may be safe to assume that On Star has the same capability.
SR
Does On Star monitor in car conversations or track car locations?
[QUOTE=Slag Runner]I have BMW Assist in my personal auto. When I push the button to speak to an operator, the operator responds in a few seconds and confirms my location. It takes the operator less than 30 seconds to perform this feat. I will have to check to see if they can track the vehicle's location when I am not actively using BMW Assist. This system is similar to On Star in the services provided so it may be safe to assume that On Star has the same capability.
SR[/QUOTE]
I made myself curious!!
This is a lengthy post but it provides the information supplied by On Star regarding their privacy policies and technical capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does OnStar continuously monitor my car's location?
A: No, OnStar does not continuously or routinely monitor, update or otherwise track the location of OnStar-equipped cars. OnStar only knows the location of a car when a user initiates a request for service, there is an Air Bag Deployment, an Advanced Automatic Crash Notification occurs, your OnStar equipment calls OnStar with data updates or when required to locate a car by a valid court order in criminal procedures or under exigent circumstances. OnStar requires police involvement for Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance and missing person requests.
Q: If I am assigned as a primary driver of an OnStar-equipped car that is owned or leased by the company I work for, will you ever provide the location of that car to the company?
A: No, we do not provide the car's location to your company or to a fleet leasing company that may be managing your company's car fleet. OnStar only provides the location of a car to emergency service, roadside assistance or law enforcement personnel to assist in delivering services.
Q: If I drive a rental car equipped with OnStar, will you ever provide the location of my vehicle to the rental company?
A: OnStar will provide the location of a rental car to the rental company only if the location is vital to completing a driver's service request. For example, if you were involved in an accident where your rental car was no longer drivable and contacted OnStar, we would provide the rental car agency the location of the car so that they can send out the appropriate resources to pick up the damaged car and provide you with a new rental, if needed.
Q: If I'm not talking with an OnStar Advisor, or an Advisor and a third party conferenced in at my request, does OnStar monitor conversations in my car?
A: It is not possible for OnStar advisors to monitor car occupant conversations without notice to the occupants. When a voice connection is established with your car, a light flashes, there is a ring, and the radio mutes. Even if requested, it is not possible for OnStar to override this functionality. In addition, a voice connection is normally audible through the stereo speakers, and cars programmed with text display capabilities can see an indicator of a connection to OnStar on the driver's instrument panel. Moreover, OnStar's policy requires Advisors to announce their presence immediately upon establishing a voice connection.
Q: What do you mean when you say "independent use" of personal information?
A: By independent use, we mean for purposes unrelated to the offering of products and services by OnStar, your car manufacturer (including its wholly-owned subsidiaries) and dealer.
Q: Will you use my personal information to send me emails?
A: Yes, we may. If so, we will give you an opportunity to opt-out of receiving marketing emails in the future.
Q: Can I update my personal information?
A: Yes. Please contact an OnStar Advisor from your car, or call 1.888.4.ONSTAR (1.888.466.7827) or TTY 1.877.248.2080 to update your contact information maintained by OnStar.
Q: Does OnStar request or record highly sensitive personal information, like my social security number?
A: OnStar does not collect or record full social security number, government driver's license number, bank account information (other than information required to process purchases), bank passwords or your mother's maiden name from our past, current or potential future customers. If you receive mail, an email message or a telephone call from someone requesting the above information as part of an OnStar transaction, do not provide this information. Obtain as much information as possible from the person making the request and contact OnStar immediately at 1.888.4.ONSTAR (1.888.466.7627) or TTY 1.877.248.2080.
Q: What is an example of a supplier that provides services to OnStar?
A: Suppliers are companies such as advertising and marketing agencies, which provide services on OnStar's behalf.
Q: Is OnStar the same thing as an Event Data Recorder, sometimes called a "Black Box?"
A: No, OnStar is not the same as an Event Data Recorder. However, OnStar will use some of the same information that is collected by the Event Data Recorder in the event of an Air Bag Deployment or Advanced Automatic Crash Notification to help provide services to you.
SR
you guys are scaring me....
... while it is safe to assume that LE monitors this board (and more than a few date girls on or off duty) I can PROMISE you no one would ever go through the trouble of getting these records for misdemeanor crap like this thing....
[QUOTE=KingDd]This article seems to back up what Craven was saying:
[url]http://www.spywareinfo.com/articles/cell_phones/[/url]
This article seems to contradict what Rub & Tugged was saying:
[url]http://www.alternet.org/rights/36151/[/url]
And if Rub & Tugged is right, here is a GPS blocking pouch, for lawful use only please:
[url]http://jkontherun.blogs.com/jkontherun/2005/03/geolocator_bloc.html[/url][/QUOTE]