Abstract: A method for privacy-preserving UWB localization includes receiving, by a virtual ultra-wideband (UWB) sensor, a ranging request from a physical UWB tag. The physical UWB tag is part of a mobile device, such as a smart phone. The method also includes generating, by the virtual UWB sensor, a unique identifier in response to receiving the ranging request. The unique identifier collectively identifies a plurality of physical UWB anchors. Each of the plurality of physical UWB anchors is part of a vehicle. The method further includes communicating the unique identifier to the UWB tag. Also, the method includes establishing a communication between the physical UWB tag and the virtual UWB sensor in response to receiving the unique identifier by the UWB tag. The method also includes commanding, by the virtual UWB sensor, at least one of the plurality of physical UWB anchors to activate.