Social Shoes

The article is located here:
http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/29/wesc-karmatech-concept-makes-your-shoes-more-social-with-rfid/

Students in Sweden have come up with the idea of implanting RFID chips in your shoes. These chips will be used to automatically "check-in" at locations via Facebook status and other social networking tools. They will also allow you to receive exclusive deals at the place you are visiting.

The idea is pretty cool, especially if you are really into updating your statuses and whatnot. However, I view these to be a dangerous idea if utilized to automatically give away your whereabouts. From a law enforcement perspective, it would be great to know where the criminals are but what about if they always know where you are? For example, statistics repeatedly say that sexual assault is most likely committed by someone you know. Well if this acquaintance always knows your whereabouts, you are very vulnerable. Think about it. How many of your facebook friends do you REALLY know? Those few who are acquaintances... what if they knew you were out of town for a month? They could break into your house knowing you won't be inside to defend your property. Just a few thoughts. Would you like everyone on your friends list to always know where you are?

Illegal Recordings?

Today I stumbled upon an article posted on TechCrunch regarding cell phone use in Illinois. I am from St. Charles, not too far from the Illinois border compared to Warrensburg, so I was pretty interested in the content . The article I found was titled "Using Your Blackberry in Illinois Could Send You to Prison" which is located here: http://techcrunch.com/2011/01/22/using-your-blackberry-in-illinois-could-send-you-to-prison/

According to the article, two civilians are being charged with illegal eavesdropping, a statute rarely enforced. These two people used their electronic device or Blackberry cell phone to record conversations with law enforcement officials. The statute,  "The Illinois Eavesdropping Act, states that one may not record any audio without the consent of all parties involved." However, it is okay for law enforcement officials to do so due to a clause within the statute from what I understand. How is this fair?

I personally disagree with the prosecution of one offender, Moore, who is listed in the article. Law enforcement officials were trying to persuade her to drop the charges/complaint she had and she recorded the conversation for proof. Moore was apparently a stripper making a sexual harrassment complaint and due to society, without proof, I feel that many people would disregard her claims against the individual who sexually harrassed her or even her complaint regarding the officials if she were to make one. I would have done the same in order to have proof of attempted persuasion.I feel this subject needs further research. Just something to think about... What would you do?