“Can't trust your loved ones?” GPS users skyrocket
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By Ko Dong-hwan
The numbers of GPS users with possibly wrecked amore are on the rise as more people are purchasing GPS devices to find out real-time locations of their companions.
On Aug. 3, the Busan District Court sentenced 39-year-old Jang to one year in jail and 34-year-old Ahn to 6 months in jail suspended for two years and 80 hours of community service.
They were convicted of investigating the private life of a cheating woman by secretly taking her photographs and placing a GPS device underneath her car, which infringes upon the laws regarding use and protection of personal credit information. They committed the crime in response to a request by her spouse who paid them for the service.
On July 17, the Busan Nambu Police Station arrested 41-year-old Lee for placing a GPS device underneath his ex-girlfriend’s car. He committed the crime on April 6 out of curiosity as to whether she is dating another man.
While GPS device is necessary among companies in the industries for bus, distribution and emergency dispatches, it is also easily accessible for illegal uses, which the current laws only prevent with nothing heavier than minor fine.
Those who wish to use GPS devices in Korea have almost no hassle to worry. They are available on the Internet for anyone who can afford 100,000 to 200,000 won. Convenience in its use, high accuracy and dealers using sensitive catch phrases in their sales promotion all chip in to tempting people to buy them.
From January to July 2013, the National Police Agency launched a major crackdown on service centers using illegal means like private information piracy, violation and threats. Among them, 12 percent was related to the GPS service.