As mentioned above, simply limiting the use of GPS can solve both ethical matters. The United States Government has the capacity to prevent the rights to use GPS by region or by individuals. The United States Government could easily apply a fee or tax to the use of the GPS satellites. Applying a tax to GPS technology could result in two outcomes. First, private and/or foreign individuals would decide that they are not able to afford the technology and therefore find another source of precise and accurate tracking and locating data. Second, the private and foreign individuals will find that they need the GPS technology and decide to pay the extra cost. The government uses the reasoning that by leaving GPS as a public service to the world, global productivity and technology will grow. In this sense it may be beneficial to the world but the issue still remains; the foreign world as well as the corporate individuals are using GPS technology at the expense of the United States taxpayers.
Since its launch, GPS has been used for a variety of applications and purposes. It was first used for hyper-accurate missile targeting. Overtime, it has progressed from these militaristic ideals to civilian and corporate functions. GPS has become one of the most versatile technologies available to the general public. TOPEX/Poseidon is one example where GPS is used by the government and benefits the world. TOPEX/Poseidon is a prime example of where this governmental technology aids civilian and corporate tasks. An ethical question of GPS use on TOPEX/Poseidon for the foreign global society and commercial users arises with discussion about the funding of the entire project. I believe that the individuals in commercial agencies or in foreign agencies should pay some form of a tax or fee for the use of GPS. This extra income for the government could result in some tax relief for the current United States taxpayers. It is not practical to allow private companies and foreign individuals access to a technology that they did not pay for. There is also the contradicting criticism that explains GPS as a promoting tool for technological and economic growth. This is the view taken by the United States Government, and is stated in the May 2000 Whitehouse Press Release. GPS is a technology, which increases in productivity, efficiency, safety, scientific knowledge and quality of life, but it is at the expense of the taxpayers. GPS, a widespread technology, is used by the global society, which brings up many ethical questions. These questions cannot be easily solved and they will not disappear overtime.
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