Achieving user privacy in mobile networks

Third generation mobile networks aim to offer `any service, anywhere, at any time´. Users require privacy within these systems in order to feel confident of their use. Privacy requirements (in mobile networks) are: content, location and identification privacy, and authentication. Differing from previous approaches to privacy, the network itself is considered to be an untrusted party. The paper proposes a scheme that allows the user to register with the network and remain anonymous (both location and identification). Digital mixes are used to create anonymity and authentication is achieved through a token based scheme. Finally the aspect of information leaking to authorised third parties is discussed and billing requirements are detailed which involve the use of `coin´ like tokens traded for services