Privacy enhancing techniques for the protection of mobility patterns in LBS : research issues and trends

LBS have become an integral part of users experiences, delivering users targeted, relevant and highly convenient information. However, the significant advantages associated with LBS come at a price to user privacy. While the location of a mobile device at any given moment may not be particularly sensitive, the historical trail of past locations, i.e. the users‘ trajectories, can reveal much about a user’s behavior. Over the past few years there has been a flourishing of research initiatives specifically addressing the development of techniques for the safeguard of the position information in LBS(Position PETs). In this paper we analyze pros and cons of major research streams. We also discuss some emerging trends in LBS which are valuable for their implications on privacy and future research in the field. The ultimate goal is to foster cross-disciplinary discussion on the requirements and limits of Position PETs in the light of emerging privacy demands and on-going research.