Cell Phone Tracking goes Mainstream

TechCrunch has another good article today discussing a new product in the cell phone market. Newcomer Loopt is making waves by allowing groups of friends to track one another's physical locations via cell phone with automated alerts, mapping, etc. Currently, only Boost Mobile is supported, but other providers are rumored to be available soon.

I have to admit - the service does have some great legitimate uses such as parents tracking their kids, friends choosing to allow each other to be found, etc. However, it also has some startling privacy implications. Should Home Depot be told I just walked into a Menards so they can text message me a solicitation to use their store instead? Its certainly an interesting development.