Generating 4G, 5G and Social Media Location Information

Abstract

Social media messaging applications like Instagram and Signal are increasingly becoming more popular. These applications run on top of the integrated 4G and 5G mobile telecommunications networks. As location service clients, using the best estimated location of the mobile device, these applications leak personal and sensitive information about the individual’s profile and the persons they are associated with. The latest mobile technology, 5G, uses more base stations, creating a dense network of small cells, thereby making location estimates even more precise. Other technical data such as battery power strength are all measures used to calculate the best location estimate and the route travelled. By using satellite technology and creating a line of sight with the mobile device, the estimated location is also becoming more precise in metres. This is contrary to claims by law enforcement agencies that the location estimate is coarse, thereby justifying the retention and disclosure of location information without prior judicial authorisation.