The think tank has raised considerable concerns regarding consumer safety and security.

In 2012, a geolocation privacy bill by Senator Al Franken (D-Minnesota) was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee, in order to provide the users of smartphones with a greater degree of control over the way that their data is controlled.

However, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation feels this legislation is problematic.

The law that was proposed would make it necessary for app developers to require users to specifically opt in to programs that would allow for the collection or disclosure of geolocation data. It would no longer be permitted for apps to automatically select that option, so that users would need to actively opt out if they did not wish to share their information in that way.

The geolocation data was not being protected by the companies that collected it, said Franken.

According to the senator, the “Companies that collect our location information are not protecting it the way they should.” At that time, he made reference to a number of errors and blunders regarding privacy, which had drawn considerable media attention. This included reports that Android and iPhone devices were sending the geolocation data of their users to Google and Apple.

Not to mention the CarrierIQ fiasco. That company was a part of a high profile discovery in 2011, when the researcher demonstrated that its software was capable of logging the keystrokes that were made on smartphones.

While it is Franken’s intention to reintroduce the geolocation privacy bill in 2013, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), a think tank, is openly arguing that this proposed law may not encourage positive changes. In fact, it called the legislation “particularly problematic for apps that are supported by location-based advertising.”

It explained that the bill, which was designed to protect a user’s privacy in the face of geolocation technology and use, would require a user to have to give consent every time the app intends to work with a new ad network. This, they say, would generate awkward consumer notices. The think tank’s behaviors in the past have not indicated that they are adverse to advertising techniques such as pop-ups, which they recently used to state that they were rejecting do-not-track requests.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMtdlZFucp4?rel=0]

QR code and choosing a new vehicle

Car shoppers find a wealth of information on the stickers placed on new vehicles for sale, however, accessing the QR codes on the sticker by use of smartphone can give an even greater understanding what what each make and model has to offer.

Fuel economy label

When faced with a fuel economy label on a new car or truck, take some time to look at the sticker before accessing the information that you will get through the QR code. Each label will give you the EPA estimated MPG for that make and model. These numbers can differ for city driving and highway driving, with highway numbers showing better mileage. You should also find out about a greenhouse gas rating and a smog rating. These numbers help you decide not only how many miles per gallon you could get but also the environmental impact of driving that particular model of car or truck.

The internet has a wealth of information for consumers that do not understand fuel economy or how their own driving habits can change the MPG they are going to get. Information on both fuel economy, how MGP are calculated and tested, and also how emissions requirements are met can all be found online through government and private sector websites.

Accessing the QR codes

Smartphone users have the option of using the QR code featured on the new fuel economy labels that were produced by the EPA and the Department of Transportation. QR is short for quick response reader. QR is a distinctive code that can be found on some products, in stores and entertainment facilities, and in advertisements. Using a smartphone, the user can scan this code to get information quickly downloaded right on their phone. The new labels have a QR code that can help consumers choose the right vehicle.

When accessing the QR code on new automobiles, users can find a wealth of information. Both EPA estimated MPG for city driving and highway driving will be listed. Emissions testing information is also included. The code will also help consumers estimate how much money will they save on gas as apposed to to their current vehicle gas mileage and also estimate fuel mileage saving for highway versus stop and go driving. Drivers can include different aspects of their own driving habits for even more accurate results.