The luxurious existence seems like something beyond the reach, though it is no longer a privilege granted by birth but a goal. Those who wish to get closer to the lives of the rich and prosperous tend to start by buying expensive items one by one. However gleeful and fashionable these may feel, luxury goods, especially those of sophisticated composition, may pose significant threats to their owners anyway.
Sometimes, fashion enthusiasts and collectors strive to get the most peculiar items, either vintage or truly innovative instead. The latter, though, can be equipped with hidden features like GPS monitors or number tracker systems no one might have ever thought of. So, what type of problems can these nonessentials cause? Which items should one be careful with?
The Risks of Owning Luxury Goods
Although the allure of affluent life is always associated with prosperity, status, success, and a taste for the finest things, these expensive assets can also put their owners at serious risk, many of which are disregarded in the name of elegance and prestige. So, what are they then?
Prime Target for Crime
No matter what type of luxurious item you possess, be it an expensive watch, a high-end handbag, or an expensive car, these frequently become the primary reason for crime. Since thieves are aware of these goods' high value, they may develop plans and focus on those who own them in the end. Wearing or showing off expensive things in public can increase the level of vulnerability to criminal targeting in both online and offline environments.
Privacy Invasion
Luxurious products, especially those that are clearly visible, may unintentionally reveal private information about their owners, i.e., suggest their status and a certain amount of money as well. What is more, a lot of high-end products have incorporated location-tracking capabilities. Some expensive watches like the Apple Watch Ultra might boast GPS, and fancy cars may be powered by advanced tracking systems.
These features are casually advertised as benefits implemented for the sake of convenience or safety, but they can seriously jeopardize privacy either way. In other words, your real-time location may be exposed if these tracking technologies are compromised or accessed by unauthorized parties.
Ethical Dilemmas
The creation and use of upscale products can give rise to moral dilemmas. The absolute majority of people do not have such an opportunity to own expensive things, and some of them cannot meet their basic needs at last. Consumers who decide to ignore or remain ignorant of these concerns should be ready to face criticism, which might further undermine their moral compass and social position.
How Does Location Tracking Work?
Now, let us briefly discuss how location tracking works, for this knowledge, may secure the lives of those who possess expensive items one day. In fact, the process of location tracking involves the use of multiple technologies to pinpoint an object's exact location. The most widely used technique is the Global Positioning System (GPS), which is dependent on a satellite network orbiting around the planet.
Through triangulation, the device's GPS receiver gets quick signals from the satellites and, hence, determines the position of a device in an instant. Alternative methods include Wi-Fi positioning, which presupposes that the device employs the signals from neighboring cell towers to estimate its location, and cell tower triangulation, which means that the device analyzes the proximity to known Wi-Fi networks so as to identify its exact spot.
Collectively, these technologies can deliver the most accurate real-time location data, which is often required for tracking services, navigation, and other location-aware apps. If this data is not properly secured, it may also be open to misuse, though.
Examples of Luxury Goods with Privacy Issues
For most people, luxury goods seem to be vintage and traditional in their own way. Nevertheless, the market dazzles with numerous innovative opportunities for those who own anything but wish to possess something unique. What could they purchase then?
Apple Watch Hermès: This premium model of the watch combines unique (and non-unique) Apple technologies, such as GPS and cellular tracking, with Hermès works of art. While it may boast features like emergency SOS and fitness tracking, it also follows your location all the time, which makes it susceptible to hacking or unauthorized access and could reveal your whereabouts in the end.
Tesla Model S: Advanced GPS tracking and data collection systems are standard on Tesla's luxurious cars. Although these features increase convenience and safety, they also gather immense volumes of information about your driving patterns, the places you visit, and even the routes you take. There are privacy concerns since this data is stored and may be accessed by unauthorized resources and wrongdoers.
Louis Vuitton Horizon Luggage: Apart from crafting traditional, conventional apparel, Louis Vuitton delivers unusual forms of clothes and accessories with innovations behind them. Surprisingly enough, owners of this elite luggage brand may trace the whereabouts of their suitcases with a smartphone app only. This feature is helpful in locating misplaced bags, but it can potentially be abused if the tracking system is compromised.
Vertu Smartphones: Known for their exclusivity and higher expenses, these premium phones often come with GPS tracking and other location-based features. Despite being designed to offer security and privacy, they still rely on location monitoring, which can be hacked in order to expose user activities and personal information.
Benefits with Pitfalls – What Would You Choose?
As such, luxury goods provide their owners with a sense of exclusivity and sophistication as the indicators of success, status, and personal style. Though these items incorporate more and more innovative technologies (which might affect their original appearance), there appear serious privacy concerns. These expensive products, which range from GPS-enabled watches and vehicles to trackable designer bags, become symbols of wealth and potential attractions to people obsessed with confidential data.
Luxury products will always be in demand, but owners must be mindful of the risks and take precautions to safeguard their privacy. Luxury has a cost that goes beyond money. The hazards come together with the benefits.