Mobile technologies, like smartphones, collect and analyse data about where people are located. This has created a big business where consumers can share their location data for economic benefits. However, there are privacy risks involved. When people use their smartphones, companies track their location to deliver personalised ads and services. This system is worth billions of dollars and benefits both consumers and businesses. But it also raises concerns about privacy. The large-scale collection and analysis of location data can reveal sensitive information about routines and personal lives. This data can be misused or accessed by unauthorized people, leading to risks like stalking or identity theft.
In a recent study, researchers used machine learning to develop a framework that measures and reduces personalised privacy risks. It also protects data privacy and considers different levels of risks and benefits. Compared to previous models, this framework performed better by reducing privacy threats for consumers while still benefiting advertising companies.
The research was carried out by researchers from different universities. According to Beibei Li, one of the core research members, it is believed that by 2027, the advertising market will make more than twenty-five billion dollars. The report revealed that certain applications that work on the basis of location, such as booking rides or ordering food, are actually contributing to sharing users data with advertisers. Based on the information collected, advertisers can learn about consumers’ likes and dislikes when it comes to food, restaurants, or online shopping. The system has become so advanced that now they can even foretell what place the user will be visiting and at what time they will reach their destination.
While it may benefit advertisers, on the other hand, users become vulnerable as their personal data, including their full name and residential address, gets leaked. The information can be misused if it falls into the wrong hands.
In order to analyse the framework, the researchers collaborated with a well-known data collector that gathers location data from popular mobile apps used by a large portion of the United States population. The collected data, which followed privacy regulations, represented a significant sample of the American population and focused on a major city. The researchers tested their framework using one million movement patterns from forty thousand individuals in that particular area.
According to Meghanath Macha, the lead researcher, location-based marketing is quickly becoming a key method for planning marketing campaigns and reaching consumers. This approach enhances both traditional and digital marketing strategies. Mobiletechnology has revolutionised with time, but it’s essential to be mindful of the potential privacy risks that come with it. By understanding how data is collected, securing personal information, and staying informed about privacy-focused practises, users can take control of their privacy in the digital age.
Read next: Striking the Perfect Work-Life Equilibrium: Global Cities that Prioritize Well-being
In a recent study, researchers used machine learning to develop a framework that measures and reduces personalised privacy risks. It also protects data privacy and considers different levels of risks and benefits. Compared to previous models, this framework performed better by reducing privacy threats for consumers while still benefiting advertising companies.
The research was carried out by researchers from different universities. According to Beibei Li, one of the core research members, it is believed that by 2027, the advertising market will make more than twenty-five billion dollars. The report revealed that certain applications that work on the basis of location, such as booking rides or ordering food, are actually contributing to sharing users data with advertisers. Based on the information collected, advertisers can learn about consumers’ likes and dislikes when it comes to food, restaurants, or online shopping. The system has become so advanced that now they can even foretell what place the user will be visiting and at what time they will reach their destination.
While it may benefit advertisers, on the other hand, users become vulnerable as their personal data, including their full name and residential address, gets leaked. The information can be misused if it falls into the wrong hands.
In order to analyse the framework, the researchers collaborated with a well-known data collector that gathers location data from popular mobile apps used by a large portion of the United States population. The collected data, which followed privacy regulations, represented a significant sample of the American population and focused on a major city. The researchers tested their framework using one million movement patterns from forty thousand individuals in that particular area.
According to Meghanath Macha, the lead researcher, location-based marketing is quickly becoming a key method for planning marketing campaigns and reaching consumers. This approach enhances both traditional and digital marketing strategies. Mobiletechnology has revolutionised with time, but it’s essential to be mindful of the potential privacy risks that come with it. By understanding how data is collected, securing personal information, and staying informed about privacy-focused practises, users can take control of their privacy in the digital age.
Read next: Striking the Perfect Work-Life Equilibrium: Global Cities that Prioritize Well-being
