TomTom Knows Where You've Been and Where You're Going, And Now So Do The Cops

This is rather interesting, if you use a GPS, which many people do. Dutch GPS company TomTom has been caught selling traffic data to police departments so they can set-up speed traps and traffic cameras. Basically, every TomTom unit, being a tracking device, has the data of where you are and where you're going. And as we all know it stores it, making it easy to pull up routes used often. OK, nothing new there. However, it has now been revealed that those units transmit that data to the mother base in Holland. OK, this too is kinda predictable, as any device that transmits data usually transmits "both-ways".

Where the story goes to hell is when last fiscal quarter TomTom lost an ass ton of money (for those of you playing the home game, an ass ton is 8 tons) and announced they were looking at "innovative" means to gain money. Those means were selling the loads of traffic data they had laying around to cops. They did this officially, to allow local governments to ease congestion in heavy traffic areas. Makes sense on paper. However, the police used the data for speed traps (TomToms can transmit average speed data too). Now, this should come as no surprise to anyone. Most police departments are broke, and this is an easy way to make cash.

Of course TomTom is shocked that their data is being used like that. Right, ok. Also TomTom is shocked at the public outcry over their treachery. They cannot believe people are angry that they sold personal informational. I thought this was TomTom, not Apple, Anyway, I cannot believe the level of stupidity of humanity. TomTom claims they are reconsidering their stance and might, I repeat, might stop selling traffic flow data.Whoo fuckin' hoo. TomTom's excuse is that buried deep within the confines of the units themselves, there is a setting which stops transmitting data. Here's an idea, stop selling people info! Again, who do you think you are, Apple? Anyway, if you have a TomTom, find that setting and turn it off. Or better yet, sell it. You'd be doing the world a favor.