Geolocation is an essential feature of our mobile phones. It is used to find directions, locate stores and restaurants, check real-time weather conditions, and much more. However, the collection of geolocation data can also be a threat to user privacy. In this article, we will explore what geolocation is, how it affects user privacy and their devices, what risks its use entails, how that data is limited on different devices and additional tips for dealing with the issue of real-time location.
What is Geolocation?
Geolocation is the ability to determine the physical location of a device using GPS, Wi-Fi, cell tower signals, and other devices. This information provides location-based services such as maps, weather, social media, and targeted advertising. Geolocation is also used in security applications, vehicle and package tracking, and movement management.
How does geolocation affect the privacy of users and their devices?
Firstly, geolocation data can be used to create detailed profiles of users, including their movement and behaviour patterns. These profiles can be used for advertising purposes. Still, they can also be used by third parties to monitor individuals and their activities.
Secondly, collecting geolocation data can expose a user’s location to others, including potential criminals. This can be particularly dangerous if users share their real-time location on social media or other apps. Criminals can use this information to track users and plan robberies or assaults.
Finally, collecting geolocation data can impact mobile devices’ performance and battery life. Many applications use geolocation data to provide location-based services, meaning they continually send and receive data. This can quickly drain a mobile device’s battery, which can be particularly problematic in emergencies.
What risks do geolocation data entail?
In addition to what has been detailed in the previous section, geolocation data can be used with other information to carry out fraudulent activities or identity theft. Criminals can use geolocation data to track behaviour patterns and frequent locations, which could help them create detailed profiles and facilitate access to sensitive information through social engineering techniques.
In addition, companies can use geolocation data to gather information about users’ behaviour patterns and deliver targeted advertising. This may seem harmless, but it can be unpleasant to users and can be used to manipulate their decision-making.
Many of our everyday devices can share our location in real time. Some of the most common devices that share our area include:
- Mobile phones: Modern mobile phones are equipped with global positioning systems (GPS) and other sensors that allow applications to track our location. Many applications use this information to offer location-based services such as maps or weather forecasts.
- Laptops and desktop computers: Some laptops and desktop computers also have GPS and other sensors that allow applications to know our location.
- Smartwatches and wearables: Smartwatches and other wearables can also share our location. Some models have built-in GPS, while others use the mobile phone’s Bluetooth connection to determine location.
- Vehicle navigation devices: Vehicle navigation devices like in-dash and handheld GPS can also share our location. These devices are primarily used for on-road navigation and finding nearby points of interest.
- Security cameras: Security cameras and surveillance systems can also share our location. Some cameras have built-in GPS to geotag images and videos. In contrast, others use the network’s IP address to determine approximate location.
How do I limit geolocation data on different devices?
Users can limit the collection of geolocation data on different devices through different methods. For example, users can turn off location sharing on mobile devices in the device settings. They can also share location only with specific apps and revoke location access anytime.
- Disable location on a mobile device
- Disable location permissions for an app
- Disable precise location on a mobile device
On computers, users can limit the collection of geolocation data by using browser extensions that block the collection of geolocation data. They can also set their privacy preferences in their applications and online services.