Abstract

Today many technologies are being used that involve information on the location of objects or persons. In addition to the widely known geo-location by satellite via GPS, today at least 12 more technologies are being used that make it possible to determine the location of devices, and indirectly that of their users. This may happen in real time or after a delay depending on the technology; it may happen with a degree of precision ranging from a few kilometers to a few centimeters, and either with or without the knowledge of the persons affected.The book reports (in German) about a technology assessment study on social opportunities and risks brought about by geo-location technologies with a focus on the situation in Switzerland, considering the development in the European Union and the Council of Europe as well.