Proof-of-Location system

Our Proof-of-Location mechanism makes sure that we can verify with a high degree of certainty that the user leaving the review is actually at the location for a significant amount of time. It is also used as an anti-cheating mechanism. We use a combination of:

• Time-based validation: A user is only able to submit a review if they have been there for a significant amount of time, not just quickly hopping in to give a review

• Location verification based on the GPS information and Foursquare API

• Anti-spoofing protection by blocking the usage of the application on jailbroken devices

• Natural movement detection

• Metadata analysis of uploaded pictures based on EXIF-data where we:

  • Verify the timestamps

  • Check the device name

  • Cross-check with other pictures uploaded in the past

  • Verify the GPS information