Location Tracking of Mobile Objects and the Privacy Tradeoff

Abstract

The Internet of Things (IoT) and mobile sensing applications bring great potential to the modern world, as they enhance and improve quality of life. However, this technology possess security and privacy risks to people who become targets of massive data collection. Embedded sensors have infiltrated everyday personal devices, and large amounts of data are continuously collected through trace data. Location data, search queries, preferences, etc., are all being recorded. In this paper, we surveyed IoT technology and mobile sensing applications, discussed privacy implications, and summarized current proposed solutions to the privacy issue. We then proposed a new solution that represents a balance between data integrity and privacy. We proposed a combination of three existing security measures; cryptography, data obfuscation, and access control mechanisms.