UK regulator closes loophole that allowed rogue companies to track phone users’ location

British authorities say they have closed a loophole that could allow rogue actors to secretly track mobile phone users through the international telecommunications system.

In a statement, the U.K. regulator Ofcom said it ‌had banned ⁠the ⁠leasing of so-called “Global Titles,” which are special phone numbers that can be used to transmit signaling messages across the global network.

Such titles are typically used by telecom operators to help ensure the smooth operation of the network – for example ⁠by helping ‌deliver messages to users who are “roaming” on other networks – but Ofcom said that criminals ⁠could use them “to intercept and divert calls and messages, and get their hands on information held by mobile networks.”