I have been giving some thought as to the fundamental elements of a legal and policy framework necessary for the development of a 'location-enabled' economy. For purposes of this post, I am defining a 'location-enabled' economy as one that allows the full potential of geospatial technologies to be realized while addressing legitimate concerns, such as privacy. In my opinion, nations that develop such a framework will be better suited for economic growth, high quality government services, increased public safety and homeland security and protecting natural resources. In addition, these nations will be the leaders in addressing transnational issues such as climate change. Thus far, I have come up with the following (in no particular order):
1. Laws, regulations and policies with respect to the collection, use and transfer of geospatial data are clear and transpartent;
2. Any regulations that restrict the collection of geospatial data - of any type - are narrowly-tailored to address specific and articulable concerns, rather than broadly defined so as to address any potential risk;
3. Due to its unique qualities, geolocation information is protected for privacy purposes differently than information such as social security numbers, financial information or medical records;
4. Government agencies make government data (or Public Sector Information (PSI)) broadly available at minimal or no cost;
5. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in geospatial data are clear, widely understood and when appropriate, adequately protected;
6. Geospatial technology is treated the same as other types of technology;
7. There are no restrictions on the import and/or export of geospatial data;
8. There are no restrictions on the availability of information on the internet;
9. Individuals are adequately protected from government's using geospatial surveillance technology; and
10.Laws and policies encourage the use of industry standards that promote interoperability.
This list is still a work in progress. Therefore, please let me know if there are any items you would suggest adding or removing from this list.
1. Laws, regulations and policies with respect to the collection, use and transfer of geospatial data are clear and transpartent;
2. Any regulations that restrict the collection of geospatial data - of any type - are narrowly-tailored to address specific and articulable concerns, rather than broadly defined so as to address any potential risk;
3. Due to its unique qualities, geolocation information is protected for privacy purposes differently than information such as social security numbers, financial information or medical records;
4. Government agencies make government data (or Public Sector Information (PSI)) broadly available at minimal or no cost;
5. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in geospatial data are clear, widely understood and when appropriate, adequately protected;
6. Geospatial technology is treated the same as other types of technology;
7. There are no restrictions on the import and/or export of geospatial data;
8. There are no restrictions on the availability of information on the internet;
9. Individuals are adequately protected from government's using geospatial surveillance technology; and
10.Laws and policies encourage the use of industry standards that promote interoperability.
This list is still a work in progress. Therefore, please let me know if there are any items you would suggest adding or removing from this list.