Privacy-Preserving Relative Location Services Using WiFi APs

Problem Definition

PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: Despite the convenience and efficiency provided by location-aware applications and services on mobile devices, there is a growing concern for the privacy and security of users. The current methods of gathering and sharing geographical data, such as through GPS and AGPS, can expose users' precise locations to service providers, raising the risk of potential breaches and misuse of personal information. In order to address this issue, a solution is needed to provide location-based services for mobile users in a privacy-preserving manner. This solution should ensure that sensitive information is not collected and transmitted to the server, while still allowing users to benefit from location-aware features. By utilizing WiFi results for location determination instead of GPS data, the risk of privacy breaches can be minimized.

In addition, there is a need for algorithms that can accurately calculate the distance between mobile users based on WiFi access points, ensuring that location information is securely exchanged between clients and servers. By implementing a system like "Circle Your Friends" (CYFS), users can also have the ability to ascertain the proximity of their social network connections without compromising their privacy. Overall, the challenge lies in developing a privacy-preserving approach for location-based services that balances the needs for location accuracy and user data protection, ultimately enhancing the security and trustworthiness of mobile communication.

Proposed Work

The proposed work focuses on developing privacy-preserving relative location-based services for mobile users' communication. With the increasing use of GPS and AGPS in smartphones, there is a growing concern about the exposure of users' geographical data to service providers. In this solution, the location of two mobile users is determined based on their WiFi results, eliminating privacy risks as no sensitive information is collected and sent to the server. The mobile user acts as the client, reporting the nearest WiFi access points, while the server calculates the distance between them. Various algorithms are proposed to accurately determine the distance, with a "Circle Your Friends" system included to aid users in determining the distance to their social network friends.

This research falls under the categories of Android and mobile-based apps, as well as wireless research-based projects, specifically focusing on Android-based mobile apps and WSN-based projects. The modules used in this work include WiFi positioning, distance calculation algorithms, and social network integration. The software used includes mobile application development tools and server-side programming languages.

Application Area for Industry

This project's proposed solutions can be applied within various industrial sectors, including the telecommunications industry, social networking platforms, and location-based services providers. In the telecommunications industry, implementing this solution can address the growing concerns of privacy and security among mobile users, ensuring that their geographical data is protected while still enabling them to benefit from location-aware features. Social networking platforms can also benefit from this project by offering users the ability to determine the proximity of their connections without compromising their privacy. Furthermore, location-based services providers can enhance the security and trustworthiness of their offerings by adopting a privacy-preserving approach for location-based services. Specific challenges that industries face, such as privacy breaches, misuse of personal information, and security risks associated with GPS and AGPS, can be effectively addressed by the proposed work.

By utilizing WiFi results for location determination and implementing algorithms to calculate the distance between mobile users based on WiFi access points, industries can ensure that sensitive information is not collected and transmitted to service providers, mitigating the risk of potential breaches. Overall, the benefits of implementing these solutions include increased user trust, enhanced security, and improved privacy protection, ultimately leading to a more secure and reliable mobile communication environment across various industrial domains.

Application Area for Academics

The proposed project on developing privacy-preserving relative location-based services for mobile users' communication has great potential for use in research by MTech and PhD students in various ways. Firstly, the project addresses a significant issue in the field of mobile communication by focusing on the privacy concerns related to GPS and AGPS usage, which is a relevant and current research topic. MTech and PhD students can explore innovative research methods to further enhance the privacy-preserving features of location-based services, as well as develop new algorithms for accurately calculating distances between mobile users based on WiFi access points. The proposed project also offers an opportunity for students to conduct simulations and data analysis to test the effectiveness of the developed algorithms and systems, which can be used for their dissertations, theses, or research papers. By leveraging the code and literature of this project, students can pursue research in the domain of Android and mobile-based apps, as well as wireless research-based projects, specifically focusing on Android-based mobile apps and WSN-based projects.

MTech students and PhD scholars can use the proposed project to explore the potential applications of WiFi positioning, distance calculation algorithms, and social network integration in enhancing the security and privacy of mobile communication. Additionally, researchers can utilize the project to study the impact of privacy-preserving location-based services on user trust and behavior. In conclusion, the proposed project provides a valuable platform for MTech and PhD students to conduct research in the field of mobile communication, leveraging innovative technologies and research methods to address privacy concerns and enhance the security of location-based services. The future scope of this project includes expanding the features of the "Circle Your Friends" system, exploring new ways to improve distance calculations, and examining the implications of privacy-preserving location-based services on user interactions. Overall, this project offers a rich source of research possibilities for students exploring Android and mobile-based apps, as well as wireless research-based projects.

Keywords

Wireless, Microcontroller, 8051, 8052, AT89C51, MCS-51, KEIL, Localization, Networking, Routing, Energy Efficient, WSN, Manet, Wimax, Android, Privacy-Preserving, Location-Based Services, Mobile Users, GPS, AGPS, WiFi, Data Security, Privacy Risks, Distance Calculation Algorithms, Circle Your Friends, Social Network Integration, Android Apps, Wireless Research, Mobile Communication, Server-Side Programming, Mobile Application Development.