The recent acquisition of the location data tracking tool, known as Locate X, by the United States government has caused a significant uproar among privacy advocates and reproductive rights activists. Locate X, managed by the company Babel Street, allows for tracking the location of mobile devices by collecting data from multiple sources, and its application has raised concerns especially in sensitive contexts such as reproductive health clinics, places of worship, and for those crossing state borders, where the collected data can be used to incriminate individuals exercising their bodily autonomy.
While initially designed for use by law enforcement, the tool has been shown to be easily accessible. An Atlas Privacy researcher was able to access it simply by stating their intention to collaborate with the police in the future. Given the possibility of a future administration being hostile towards those at risk of being monitored, it becomes crucial to strengthen citizens’ digital defenses. Attorneys general in states with restrictions on reproductive care are showing an increasing interest in using all possible tools to sanction those seeking to exercise their rights.
To mitigate the risk of surveillance, various practical measures are proposed to protect location privacy. First, it is advised to disable mobile advertising identifiers on Android and iOS devices to prevent data collection by third parties. In Android devices, this function is found in the privacy settings section, while in iOS, apps must request explicit permission to access these identifiers.
Another recommendation is to audit the apps installed on the device. A greater number of apps makes it harder to control the digital footprint. Limiting the number of downloads and reviewing the permissions granted to each app can be an effective risk reduction strategy.
For disabling real-time tracking, it is suggested to use airplane mode. This prevents apps from sending real-time location data, although it can still be stored and sent later. Another measure is to use an alternative device for specific tasks, keeping it free of sensitive apps and data.
As digital surveillance tools advance, it is essential for individuals to be informed and to maintain a proactive stance in protecting their privacy. While regulation may help, the primary responsibility for safeguarding the most sensitive information lies with individuals themselves. The absence of federal legislation guaranteeing privacy rights and enabling action against companies that market sensitive data perpetuates the risk of exposure. In this environment, it is crucial for each individual to evaluate how to protect their personal information and what the best strategy is to preserve their autonomy and privacy.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish