Applies to:

*Additional compatible devices will be added in due course.

What is Private Mode?

Private Mode is designed to enhance user privacy by temporarily masking the asset location data of devices. Its primary goal is to prevent tracking or logging of sensitive asset information during personal or off-duty use, such as outside business hours, ensuring user confidentiality.

How Does Private Mode Work? 

When activated, Private Mode conceals the asset’s actual location by replacing latitude and longitude coordinates with either the device's last known location or user defined latitude and longitude values such as (0,0) until the mode is disabled or automatically concludes based on configured rules (after-hours or via manual control).

Typical Use Cases

• Masking trips taken during personal time, such as commuting, after-hours use, or holiday leave.
• Protecting user location privacy when vehicles or assets are driven for personal purposes.
• Preventing collection of sensitive telemetry data during non-operational hours.
• Preventing collection and exposure of sensitive organisation locations.
• Allowing manual activation by drivers at sensitive or high-security locations (Input line/switch required).

How Can Private Mode Be Activated?

Private Mode can be activated through a number of configured mechanisms, known as 'Start Flags':
 

Automatic Activation via After-Hours Parameters

Private Mode can automatically activate based on configured schedules (e.g., after-hours or weekends).

• Example: Set Private Mode to automatically activate weekdays after 5:00 PM and deactivate at 8:00 AM.

Manual Activation via Physical Switch/Input Line

A physical switch or Digital Input line on the device can manually enable or disable Private Mode.

• Example: Users can toggle Private Mode by activating an installed privacy switch in the vehicle cabin.
   

Remote Activation via Async Messaging

Administrators or fleet managers can remotely activate or deactivate Private Mode through an asynchronous command sent to the device, overriding other settings temporarily.

• Example: Fleet managers can remotely enable Private Mode for defined periods according to grey fleet rosters.

What Will Disable Private Mode?

Aside from user-configured expiry times (either as a one off validity period or a recurring schedule) Private Mode can be disabled or temporarily overridden under the following configured conditions or settings:

Accident (Crash or Roll Event)

Private Mode is immediately disabled upon detection of a crash or rollover event (Requires definition in the Accelerometer tab).  This setting can be disabled.

• Crash Example: The device accelerometer detects a crash event, triggering a private mode stop flag and an immediate exit from Private Mode. The exact GPS position is logged and reported for the configured ‘disable time’, providing crucial information for a possible emergency response.

• Rollover Example: The vehicle experiences a rollover, triggering a private mode stop flag and an immediate exit from Private Mode. The exact GPS position is logged and reported for the configured ‘disable time’, providing crucial information for a possible emergency response.

External Power Removed

Removing external device power triggers an immediate Private Mode disable event (Requires definition in the Private Mode tab). This setting can be disabled.

• Example: A user disconnects the main harness, the vehicle battery is isolated or the vehicle battery is removed. The exact GPS position is logged and reported for the configured ‘disable time’, before returning back to Private Mode.

Async Message

Administrators or fleet managers can remotely deactivate Private Mode through an asynchronous Private Mode command sent to the device, overriding any active triggers or previous Async schedules for a defined period of time. 

• Example: Fleet managers can remotely disable Private Mode in urgent situations.

Recovery Mode

Administrators or fleet managers can remotely deactivate Private Mode through the existing Recovery Mode command sent to the device, overriding any active Private Mode triggers, After-hours schedules or Async commands.

• Example: Fleet managers can remotely disable Private mode in a stolen vehicle situation.

Private Mode Setup

While editing System Parameters, navigate to the Private Mode (Adv) tab. 

After Hours Tab Setup (Optional)

You will need to navigate to the After Hours Tab to set the relevant business and after-hours definitions to coincide with Private Mode.

Ensure that the following settings align in the Private Mode (Adv) tab as well and review optional stop flags (External Power Removed, Accident, Roll Over) and configure the associated stop trigger disable time as needed.

Digital Input Line Set Up (Optional)

You will need to navigate to the Digital Inputs Tab to map a Digital Input Trigger for use in the Private Mode tab.

Async Message (Optional) 

The Private Mode async message structure can be viewed in the Schedule Private Mode via API call page.

Private Mode Location Recording Options

When Private Mode is active, the device’s actual location is masked. You can configure how the device handles GPS location data during this period using the following two options:

Last Known Position

The device continuously logs the last valid GPS position obtained immediately before entering Private Mode.

• Example: This ensure continuity of recorded location without revealing movements made after Private Mode activation, effectively making the asset appear stationary.

User Defined Input

The device logs a predefined set of coordinates specified by the user or administrator.

• Example: To consistently mask the actual position with neutral or predefined coordinates (Often defaulted to latitude 0.000, longitude 0.000 or a designated "safe" location such as the organisation's carpark).

Other Important Considerations

Odometer and Run Hours

If configured, On-Board ODO/Run Hours continue to accumulate normally. This is further detailed in the following help articles:

Run Hours + Odometer in Telematics Guru

On Device Odometer and Run Hours

Private Mode Digital Input Flag

A dedicated digital input flag (default Input 9) is logged whenever Private Mode is active, clearly signalling its activation status in the device telemetry data. This can be used to set status events in Telematics Guru if needed.

Recovery Mode*

Recovery Mode will override or supersede Private Mode start flags such as after-hours schedules, digital inputs, or Async commands.

*To disable Private Mode via Recovery Mode, firmware v1.6 is required - currently in BETA, release pending.

Integrating Private Mode to an End Platform

Now that you have configured private mode to your liking, ensure that your integration method is capable of taking full advantage of it.

Telematics Guru Private Mode

For information about Private Mode in TG, see the following article.

For other platforms, ensure that your platform knows which digital input indicates private mode is on, so that it can be displayed. 

For help, please contact Digital Matter Support