The debates at the start of the project in 2010 about "google street view" and Apple's iPhone showed that the topic of "geodata and privacy protection" is becoming increasingly important. Technologies and processes that enable the localisation of people or personally identifiable objects were the focus of the "Location technologies" study. On the basis of forward-looking research and assessment of the opportunities and risks, the project was able to contribute to the formation of public opinion and support political decisions in Switzerland, for example.

The use of localisation technologies is increasing every day. Various applications with localisation technologies have the advantage of rapid geopositioning. At the same time, however, they also give rise to various controversial discussions, such as the threat to privacy or possible misuse. The applications that have already been used in Switzerland and abroad have been the subject of numerous debates.

Positioning technologies is the term for various technologies that can be used to localise people or objects in space. These technologies include satellite-based positioning, video surveillance and the evaluation of wireless telephone or digital transmissions.

Tracking technologies enrich our lives with numerous useful applications. In road traffic, for example, navigation devices help road users to get around more easily and enable companies to improve their logistical processes. In addition, geolocalisation systems are proving very valuable in the search for accident victims, especially in the mountains. Despite their many advantages, localisation technologies raise ethical and legal questions, particularly with regard to the protection of privacy.

In this interdisciplinary study commissioned by TA-SWISS and in cooperation with Prof. Dr Lorenz Hilty, EMPA St. Gallen, the opportunities and risks of tracking technologies for the economy, the world of work and leisure were assessed. The following questions were discussed:

  • What localisation technologies are currently available - in Switzerland and in other countries?
  • What developments can be expected in the medium term?
  • Do tracking technologies harbour potential for conflict? What conflicts could arise?
  • Who are the main players in the field of localisation technologies and what are their motivations?
  • What legal framework regulates the use of the various localisation technologies?
  • What economic interests and effects are associated with localisation technologies?
  • What developments in the field of localisation technologies are desirable from the population's point of view?

With the help of an analysis of current research results, an overview of the localisation technologies already available was drawn up. This analysis was intended to identify potential points of conflict. Specialists were consulted to complete the data.
Based on the results of this analysis and a predefined catalogue of criteria, two to three areas of application were selected for closer examination. The various players and their motivations as well as the context in which the applications are developing were analysed. Finally, scenarios with a time horizon up to 2020 were drawn up for the selected areas.

The various scenarios were then discussed in several focus groups. The aim of these discussions was to establish how citizens view the possible developments. Some of the questions were: Do they seem desirable to them? Under what conditions are they prepared to accept these new technologies?

Finally, a catalogue of measures was drawn up as part of this study in order to benefit as much as possible from the advantages of location technologies on the one hand and to limit their risks on the other.