DeviceLocation Location Retrieval API description

The “Location Retrieval” API provides the location of a mobile phone number as detected by the mobile network operator. The request can specify the maximum acceptable age of the location data, while the response delivers the detected location, represented as either a circle or a polygon, based on the available network data.

Current image:

• Show how the API helps verify a user's location during sensitive financial transactions to prevent fraud.

• Central Device: A smartphone displaying a transaction screen.

• Location Indicator: A geographical shape (circle) around the device, representing the detected location.

• Transaction Scenario: Visual cues like a money transfer icon or security shield.

• Security Check: An alert icon or checkmark indicating verification or blocking.

• Flow Arrows: Showing data flow from the device to a cloud/server and back, illustrating real-time location retrieval.

• Focus: The smartphone at the center with a location boundary overlay.

• Icons: Use simple, recognizable icons:

  • Money transfer or transaction icon to represent the action.

  • Shield or lock icon for security.

  • Alert or warning icon if a suspicious location is detected.

• Color Palette: Use trust-inducing colors like blue and green; red for alerts.

• Background: Keep it clean and minimal to emphasize the main elements.

• Label the device as "User's Mobile Device".

• Show the location boundary with a label like "Retrieved Location".

• Include a note or arrow indicating "Location Retrieval".

• If applicable, show a blocked transaction with a warning icon and label "Potential Fraud Detected".

Create an illustration with a mobile device at the center, surrounded by a location boundary, illustrating the process of retrieval the user's location during a transaction. Use icons and flow arrows to depict real-time data checking, security verification, and potential fraud blocking.

Example of the Image:

Open

• Fraud Prevention in location-dependent Transactions for FinTech Services: For example, if a user attempts to add a new payee, change account security settings, or initiate a high-value transfer, the platform can verify whether the detected location of their mobile device is consistent with the expected usage region. If the request originates from a high-risk or unexpected location the system can enforce additional security checks or block the transaction to prevent potential fraud.

• Fraud Prevention for Media, Entertainment, content-based Services, and Retail Services: For example, if a user attempts to access premium digital content, redeem a location-based promotion, or complete a high-value purchase, the platform can verify whether the detected location of their mobile device matches the expected region. If the request originates from an unusual or restricted location the system can block access or require additional verification to prevent unauthorized use or fraudulent transactions.

• Service Personnalisation for location-dependent Features of Services (Retail, Tourism, Travel and Hospitality, content-based Services, etc.): For example, if a user accesses a streaming platform, a retail app, or a travel service, the system can use their detected location to tailor content or features. If the user is in a specific venue or city, they may access to region-specific services, enhancing engagement and customer experience.

• Location-based Marketing and Advertising through Mobile Network Location Detection: For example, if a user enters a shopping district, an event venue, or a tourist area, brands and service providers can use their detected mobile network location to deliver targeted promotions, personalized advertisements, or exclusive location-based offers.

• Emergency Services: Providing accurate location information to emergency responders.

• Delivery Services: Confirming the location of a device to ensure accurate delivery of goods or services.

• Asset Tracking: Monitoring the location of valuable assets in real-time.

See also at GSMA:

• Fleet Management: Fleet Management

• Remote Vehicle Operation (Teleoperation): Remote Vehicle Operation (Teleoperation)

• Remote Monitoring and Control: Remote Monitoring and Control

• Worker Safety Monitoring: Worker Safety Monitoring

• Smart Video Surveillance: Smart Video Surveillance

• Passenger Experience: Passenger Experience

• Asset Tracking and Protection: Asset Tracking and Protection

• Stronger Security & increased User Trust: For users, fraud prevention translates into greater confidence in the security of their accounts and personal data. For businesses, it reduces financial losses, enhances compliance with security regulations, and strengthens brand reputation.

• Reliable & fraud-resistant Location Intelligence: Mobile network location detection provides a trusted method for verifying geographic presence. This ensures fair access to region-locked content and secure transaction approvals. For businesses, it minimizes fraud risks, improves operational efficiency, and ensures compliance without additional friction for legitimate users. For users, it eliminates frustration from blocked services due to unreliable location detection.

• Seamless Personalization & higher Engagement: Services can be dynamically adapted to users’ real-world locations, offering personalized content, exclusive in-store promotions, or premium features when they are at specific venues. This enhances the user experience, making interactions more relevant and convenient. For businesses, this drives engagement, boosts customer retention, and increases revenue by delivering the right offer at the right time.

• Operational Efficiency: For the API customer (cost savings).