Privacy-Preserving and Trustworthy Localization in an IoT Environment

Abstract: The Internet of Things (IoT) is increasingly prevalent in various applications, such as healthcare and logistics. One significant service of IoT technologies that is essential for these applications is localization. The goal of this service is to determine the precise position of a specific target. The localization data often needs to be private, accessible only to specific entities, and must maintain authenticity and integrity to ensure trustworthiness. IoT technology has evolved significantly, with Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) technology enhancing localization speed and precision. However, IoT device security remains a concern, as devices can be compromised or act maliciously. Furthermore, localization data is typically stored centrally, which can also be a point of vulnerability. Our approach leverages the features of a permissioned blockchain, specifically Hyperledger Fabric, to address these challenges. Hyperledger Fabric's collection feature ensures data privacy, and its smart contracts (chaincode) enhance trustworthiness. We tested our solution using a network of devices known as CLOVES, demonstrating robust performance characteristics with UWB technology. Additionally, we evaluated our approach through an indoor localization use case.