Location tracking of phones is out of control

Location tracking through smartphones has become a significant privacy concern, with companies like Babel Street offering services that can track the locations of millions of users. Their product, Location X, is primarily used by U.S. law enforcement but has raised alarms about potential misuse. Reports indicate that the service can provide detailed historical location data, which could be exploited by malicious actors. For instance, a New Jersey police officer was targeted in a doxing campaign, and the data from Location X could have facilitated the harassment. The technology relies on tracking mechanisms embedded in Android and iOS devices, which allow apps to access location data. Users can take steps to protect their privacy by auditing app permissions and limiting location access. Android users have more settings to adjust, including deleting their advertising ID, while iOS users can manage app tracking requests and disable personalized ads. By carefully managing these settings, users can reduce the risk of their location data being collected and sold.

- Location tracking services like Babel Street's Location X can monitor millions of users' movements.

- The data can potentially be misused for harassment or stalking, as seen in a recent case involving a police officer.

- Both Android and iOS devices have built-in tracking mechanisms that apps can exploit.

- Users can protect their privacy by auditing app permissions and limiting location access.

- Android users have more options for managing location settings compared to iOS users.