The results of an online survey support a growing body of evidence that user discomfort increases inproportion to the accuracy with which wireless communi communication networks determine the physical location ofcation a wireless device. We describe a method for conveying and applying user preferences for locationgranularity (inaccuracy) with such location-based servic services. Using this method, a user may limit the locationes. granularity either globally, for particular services, or for particular individuals who might wish to locate theuser. Upon detecting a request to use a location service, a wireless device sends to the service provider amessage directing how to carry out the requested serv service. Upon receiving the instructions, the serviceice. provider would proceed to determine the location of the device, adjust the granularity as appropriate to thee user's preference, then return the adju adjusted location. We believe that this me sted method will alleviate some of users'thod concerns related to the privacy and control of location information.
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