US cell carriers are selling access to real-time phone location data
1–10 of 25 posts
Re: US cell carriers are selling access to real-time phone location data
#2They've been doing that. You can even pay for access. (Marketing companies use it for when you sign up for "deal marketing" via the shortcodes)
Re: US cell carriers are selling access to real-time phone location data
#3Always reassuring to see visible HTML tags in tools like this.
Re: US cell carriers are selling access to real-time phone location data
#4Always reassuring to see visible HTML tags in tools like this.
While it does indicate that their QA efforts are underwhelming, it also shows that they at least know the importance of escaping strings...or are using a tool that does some of that for them.
Re: US cell carriers are selling access to real-time phone location data
#5Can someone with a US phone see if this try-before-you-buy page works?
https://www.locationsmart.com/try/
It would be fucking unbelievable if you were able to track any US phone number like that, no ID, no court order.
Re: US cell carriers are selling access to real-time phone location data
#6Previously discussed 3 days ago: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=17046632
Despite the dupe factor, I support continuing to raise awareness about this. The fact that it happened at all and continues to be permitted is super messed up.
Shocking abuse of information on part of the carriers, data re-sellers, and ultimately bottom feeding scumbags who let the law run wild and unchecked.
Re: US cell carriers are selling access to real-time phone location data
#7Can someone with a US phone see if this try-before-you-buy page works? https://www.locationsmart.com/try/ It would be fucking unbelievable if you were able to track any US phone number like that, no ID, no court order.
I just tried it, and It worked to within about 60m of where I'm sitting. I am not pleased.
Re: US cell carriers are selling access to real-time phone location data
#8Can someone with a US phone see if this try-before-you-buy page works? https://www.locationsmart.com/try/ It would be fucking unbelievable if you were able to track any US phone number like that, no ID, no court order.
Yes, it does work. The page reports its accuracy within 2.26 miles. Measuring on Google Earth, it was off by 0.42 miles, so well within its stated accuracy on the result.
It did require me to respond "YES" to an SMS before the website provided the detail. SMS text was:
LocationSmart: Reply YES or YES LS to confirm consent for cloud location & messaging demo. Reply HELP for help, Reply STOP to cancel. Msg&Data Rates may apply.
Re: US cell carriers are selling access to real-time phone location data
#9Can someone with a US phone see if this try-before-you-buy page works? https://www.locationsmart.com/try/ It would be fucking unbelievable if you were able to track any US phone number like that, no ID, no court order.
Yes it works. it send you a sms which you have to reply yes to consent. It then gave me the correct location.
yes it is unbelievable. crazy.
Re: US cell carriers are selling access to real-time phone location data
#10Can someone with a US phone see if this try-before-you-buy page works? https://www.locationsmart.com/try/ It would be fucking unbelievable if you were able to track any US phone number like that, no ID, no court order.
Yup, was able to track my phone to within a block.