In a world where everyone is clamouring for greater privacy controls on the Internet and other digital spaces including apps, one app creating company has decided to head in the opposite direction. Highlight is a location-based app that tracks users using GPS and alerts first and second degree connections as to their whereabouts. The app goes a step further by automatically checking in the user into different places without requiring the user to actively check in.
This means, for example, that is you visit a Starbucks outlet, the app will automatically check you in and your network and their networks will immediately be able to see that you have checked into Starbucks. The app is targeted towards people who would like to know where their networks are especially when travelling or when in a conference.
The app becomes even more useful when used for networking purposes as it indicates where ones second degree network is and allows for easy connections. This is, however, counter-intuitive as many larger companies, such as Facebook and Foursquare, would never dare to implement such features as it would be prime fodder for stalkers and other nefarious factors.
Many pundits are saying the app will probably win the disruptor award at the upcoming SXSW event but they also agree that the app has no future in the real world where people guard their privacy at any cost and the privacy ramifications would not see the app see the light of day. What do you think? Would you use such an app that keeps track of everywhere you are and automatically shares that information with your friends and friends’ friends?
