GPS tracking and the law in the UK: questions to check.
Questions to consider before tracking a person, vehicle or pet in the UK. Owning a tracker does not automatically entitle you to monitor another person. Shared vehicles, employees and family situations can raise privacy and consent issues. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
By the editorial team · UK edition reviewed: 14 October 2026
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What to check
Before tracking, clarify the purpose, who is affected, who can access the data and how long records are kept. Location data about an identifiable person is personal data under the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018; the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) publishes guidance, including on monitoring workers. Do not use a consumer tracker for covert surveillance: tracking someone without their knowledge can amount to harassment or stalking.
Before you rely on it
For employment, separated families, disputes or other sensitive cases, get advice from a qualified solicitor using the current law and your specific facts. Rules in Scotland and Northern Ireland can differ in detail from England and Wales, and travelling abroad can introduce other requirements. Our buying guide cannot determine whether a particular tracking arrangement is lawful.