School in Philadelphia Takes GPS Tracking Too Far
Monday, June 7th, 2010Technology Used to Violate Personal Privacy
Legal Ramifications Loom Large
Source acquired via Short News, May 14, 2010, Philadelphia – Blake Robbins – a 15-year-old high school student – was recently confronted by his principal, Lynn Matsko, who accused Robbins of engaging in “improper behavior” while Robbins was inside of his home. Matsko gained this information using a webcam that was installed in Robbins’ school-issued laptop.
Recently, students who attend Harriton High School were given laptops that are equipped with GPS tracking technology and webcams. The school claims that this technology was added to the laptops in order to prevent theft, though school officials may be using the laptops to spy on students after school hours. The Apple MacBooks that the school issued have built-in webcams that can be activated by school officials.
Students and Parents Unaware of the Capability of the Laptop Camera
Each webcam can snap photographs of laptop users around the clock. When Matsko confronted Robbins, she told him that she had photographic evidence of his actions. When Robbins father spoke with Matsko about the issue, he was told that the school “…could remotely activate the webcam contained in a student’s personal laptop…at any time.” (more…)
