Passive Collection of Radio Fingerprints in Physical Space
Even if a smartphone is not paired with wireless headphones or a watch, the active Bluetooth module periodically transmits short service packets to discover its surroundings. BLE sensors installed on premises record the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) and calculate a person's exact coordinates within the store space, transferring the data to advertising trackers.
How to Stop Hidden Location Data Collection
- Turn off Bluetooth in the phone's system settings when visiting large shopping centers
- Disable the system option "Bluetooth scanning" in the location settings section
- Deny installed store apps and loyalty programs access to nearby devices
- Use protective pouches with radio signal shielding if strict confidentiality is required