Search Me If You Can Privacy-Preserving Location Query Services

Abstract

The rise of Location-Based Services (LBS) alongside the proliferation of smartphones and social network services has ushered in a new era of convenience and functionality. However, the use of users' location information by LBS providers poses significant privacy risks, as location data inherently contains sensitive information. Addressing this challenge, our paper introduces a sophisticated Privacy-preserving Location Query Protocol (PLQP). This innovative protocol offers fine-grained control over location queries, allowing different users to access encrypted location information at varying levels of detail. Notably, PLQP is designed with efficiency in mind, making it suitable for deployment on mobile platforms. By striking a balance between utility and privacy, our protocol represents a significant step forward in safeguarding personal privacy in the realm of Location-Based Services.