It used to be that you could get in your car and drive off and, if you didn’t want to be found, no one would be able to find you . these days however,

we leave a trail wherever we go and, if you know how, you can find almost anyone, anywhere.

　　Let’s start with the car. If it has a Global Positioning System(GPS) device, the police can track it wherever it goes, just in case it gets stolen. If you stop to buy gas, you might pay with a Smartcard, which combines the functions of your credit cards, ATM cards, identity card and driver’s license. Every purchase with a Smartcard leaves an instant trail of dates, times and locations, creating a perfect record of where you’ve been and what you’ve been doing.

　　Maybe later, you get tired of driving and decide to make a walk downtown. Even on foot, you’re still being watched by video cameras, and advances in computer software will soon mean that the cameras can photograph and identify people on their own.

　　Perhaps you decide to buy a hat to block the cameras (don’t forget to pay cash!). Even then, you’re still easy to find, thanks to the cell phone in your pocket. Based on the signal strength from surrounding transmission antennas, your telephone operator can determine your exact location, even when your phone is turned off.

　　So, for those who value privacy over convenience, the only solution may be to live without cars, telephones, and credit cards. Oh, and don’t forget the hat.