PathForge:: Faithful Anonymization of Movement Data

Abstract

For most mobile networks, the provider needs the current position of their users to provide efficient service. The resulting motion data is not only an invaluable source for analyzing traffic or flow patterns, but also for tracking an individual s whereabouts, even without his knowledge. Today, many carry at least one mobile networked device (cell phone, UMTS-enabled netbook, ...) with them wherever they go, day or night. The resulting motion data can be used to reveal the most intimate details of our lives, making this information extremely privacy sensitive. Nevertheless, little is done to prevent the collection of this information, on the contrary, tracking features and data are being actively collected and even marketed. In this paper, we present PathForge, a lightweight solution, which not only fulfills the provider s efficiency requirement, but continues to allow flow pattern analysis, yet provides full privacy for the user when not actively involved in a call.