Online Archive of University of Virginia Scholarship
Using Radio Signals to Transmit GPS Data; An Analysis of Privacy Issues with Life360 6 views
Author
Tran, Salina, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Virginia0009-0005-2924-082X
Advisors
Earle, Joshua, EN-Engineering and Society, University of Virginia
Crockett, Caroline, EN-Elec & Comp Engr Dept, University of Virginia
Abstract
This technical project presents a GPS-enabled module that transmits time-stamped location data over short-range radio; This allows real-time tracking in low-signal environments like mountain biking trails. The system integrates a GPS module and ESP32 microcontroller to encode data using audio frequency-shift keying and transmit it through a standard radio interface. Alongside it is a central receiver that decodes the signal and visualizes the location data on an interactive map.
Alongside this technical report is an STS analysis examining the ethical and regulatory challenges of GPS-based technologies through a case study of Life360. Using the concept of technological momentum and discourse analysis, this paper argues that widespread adoption of such technologies makes them difficult to regulate despite growing privacy concerns. By highlighting surveillance risks/data misuse, emphasis is placed on the need for stronger privacy protections, improved regulations, and greater user awareness. Together, both projects focus on the importance of secure and responsible handling of location data.
Tran, Salina. Using Radio Signals to Transmit GPS Data; An Analysis of Privacy Issues with Life360 . University of Virginia, School of Engineering and Applied Science, BS (Bachelor of Science), 2026-05-05, https://doi.org/10.18130/7m0n-0064.
