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beaconDB is an open, and privacy-friendly network location service, replacing Mozilla's defunct location service (beacondb.net)

submitted 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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beaconDB is a drop-in replacement for MLS, which uses the same format request that's used by Mozilla's Ichnaea.

The source code is available on Codeberg: https://codeberg.org/beacondb/beacondb

You can contribute to the project by using an app like NeoStumbler (GitHub) or Tower Collector (GitHub) to submit location reports. NeoStumbler does Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GSM, while Tower Collector can only do GSM cell towers. Both are FOSS and available on F-Droid.

It is also recommended by the GrapheneOS project: https://grapheneos.social/@GrapheneOS/112759509558471713

https://grapheneos.org/articles/positon-location-service

Just keep in mind that it's still in relatively early development, which is why it really needs contributions.

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Nothing to add yet, just glad there's a replacement effort going, and wish them the best. Hopefully it will be in a useful state soon.,

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Why is this needed? There’s a reason for Mozilla cancelling their service.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 months ago (1 children)

So, you are willing to give your location to Google anytime any app asks for the location permission? A lot of people is not. And there's been efforts over time to get privacy-friendly location services. So there's clearly demand for this, even if it's still niche due to lack of knowledge.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 months ago

No, I don’t share location data with Google. What gave you that idea?