Locate X: The Tool That Lets Government Agencies Track Your Every Move, Like Having Eyes on You 24/7
A recent investigation has highlighted the alarming capabilities of a phone tracking tool called Locate X, which is widely used by law enforcement and various U.S. government agencies. This tool, developed by the data surveillance firm Babel Street, allows authorities to monitor the movements of smartphone users without the need for a warrant.
How Locate X Works
Locate X leverages commercially available location data that smartphones transmit through various apps. This data is collected and aggregated by data brokers, who then sell it to government agencies. The tool uses a mobile advertising identifier (MAID), a unique number linked to each device, to track the movements of individual phones. This identifier acts as the digital link between the device and its associated data, enabling detailed tracking
Privacy Concerns and Demonstrations
A demonstration conducted by Atlas Privacy, a company focused on data removal, illustrated the tool's capabilities. Researchers tracked a cell phone from a residential address in Alabama to an abortion clinic in Florida, where it remained for approximately two hours before returning home. This tracking was achieved without any involvement from law enforcement or state agencies, highlighting the ease with which such surveillance can be conducted
Legal and Ethical Implications
The use of Locate X raises significant privacy concerns, particularly in the context of sensitive locations such as abortion clinics. Since the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022, states like Alabama have implemented strict abortion bans, and tools like Locate X could be used to target individuals seeking these services in states where they are still legal
Lack of Oversight and Regulation
Despite the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Carpenter v. United States that the government must obtain a warrant to access cell phone-generated location data, many agencies bypass this requirement by purchasing data from commercial brokers. This practice has been criticized by privacy advocates and has led to calls for stricter regulations on the use of location data
Broader Use by Government Agencies
Locate X is not the only tool of its kind; various government agencies, including Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the FBI, and the Secret Service, have purchased access to similar location data products. These tools have been used for a range of investigative purposes, including immigration enforcement and drug investigations
Mitigating Privacy Risks
To protect against such tracking, users can refuse mobile applications' requests for location tracking and be cautious about the apps they install. Major companies like Apple and Google have taken steps to enhance the protection of users' location information, but the pervasive nature of data collection through third-party apps and advertisers remains a challenge. In summary, the Locate X tool represents a significant threat to personal privacy, enabling government agencies to track individuals without legal oversight. As the debate around data privacy and surveillance continues, it is crucial for users to be aware of these risks and for policymakers to implement robust protections against unwarranted surveillance.
How to fight back --- Protecting Your Privacy
To limit constant location tracking, Android and iOS users can adjust a few key settings. Start by checking which apps have location access:
Android: Go to Settings > Location > App location permissions
iOS: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services
Both systems let you choose whether an app can access your location always, never, only while in use, or to ask each time. You can also decide if the app gets precise or general location data.
For some apps, like maps or transit, precise location is helpful. But for others, like entertainment apps, approximate location is often enough—or no access at all may be best. In most cases, apps don’t need constant location access.
Additional Steps for Android and iOS
Android Users: Go to Settings > Security & Privacy > Ads and select "Delete advertising ID." Ignore Google’s warning and confirm. If the option doesn’t appear, your ID is already deleted.
iOS Users: Check Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking. Turn off "Allow Apps to Request to Track" and ensure Apple Advertising has Personalized Ads turned off.
Another way to take a stand is by supporting companies that prioritize privacy, like 180Vault.
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