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Locate X Tracking Mobile Phones Via Targeted Ads

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Atlas Data Privacy Corp has revealed the existence of a tracking network, called Locate X tracking phone movements through mobile IDs.

Atlas Data Privacy Corp has revealed the existence of a tracking network, called Locate X tracking phone movements through mobile IDs.

The tracking network, Locate X reportedly gives users the ability to trace the movements of a phone through a mobile advertising identifier (MAID), which is a serial number specified for phones to monitor phone’s movements, according to reports by 404 Media and Krebs on Security.  

MAID is a technique used by major companies, such as Google and Apple. 

Tracking Via Mobile Advertising ID 

According to 404 Media, Locate X tracking tool can display the location of a phone on the map, thereby following someone’s movements even on state borders. This advanced tracking capability could reveal the identity of the phone owner, thus raising concerns about privacy. 

The main goal of the New Jersey-based company is to protect users’ data privacy, by helping them retrieve it from data brokers.  

In a trial of its software, Atlas Data Privacy Corp detected that it could monitor phones at sensitive locations, such as abortion clinics.  

With abortion banned in states like Alabama, the ability to trace phone movements at such sites intensifies worries about the misuse of location data which could result in legal implications for citizens living in states with strict abortion laws.  

Many concerns about location tracking since June 2022 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade-such as sensitive places like abortion clinics-have gotten increasingly troublesome. 

Advertising Data Powers Locate X 

Speaking of Locate X tracking, it operates by collecting information using mobile advertising IDs, serving as targeted advertisements providers. It is from these identifiers that companies register profiles of users, each with a history of locations they have gone through.  

Data brokers, such as Babel Street-the company behind Locate X-have taken this data a step higher by offering tools that pursue the location of devices. 

Although access to Locate X is to be limited to government agencies, Atlas found wide discrepancies in those restrictions. Agencies that have employed the service include the Secret Service and the Department of Homeland Security, but many are cautious that unauthorized people have also accessed the tool. 

Atlas Data Privacy Corp assigned a private investigator to engage with Babel Street, acting as a potential buyer. According to 404 Media, during this interaction, at Babel Street salesperson mentioned Locate X tracking services, initially revealing that the tracking network was only available to government agencies or contractors.  

Once the private investigator mentioned an interest in future government work, the salesperson reportedly said, “that’s good enough,” suggesting the company doesn’t seriously evaluate eligibility. 

Consequently, the data privacy company has filed a lawsuit against Babel Street for breaching New Jersey’s data privacy laws. 

Indeed, such tracking tools can help in the prevention of banned acts in countries, but also underlines ongoing vulnerabilities in mobile data privacy, and showcases the need for greater regulations to protect data privacy.  

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