The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has reached settlements with two data brokers, Gravy Analytics and Mobilewalla, over allegations they sold precise location data without consent. The companies claimed to have high-resolution location data that could track individuals’ movements within buildings.
Instead of collecting the data themselves, Gravy Analytics and Mobilewalla bought logs of people’s whereabouts from app developers and other companies. They then resold this information, which was not fully anonymized. The FTC claims both companies failed to obtain informed consent for data collection and continued using the data despite lack of permission.
As part of the settlements, Gravy Analytics and Mobilewalla agreed to:
* Check their databases for improperly collected location data
* Implement consent safeguards
* Delete any improperly collected location data
* Refrain from distributing location information of people visiting sensitive places
* Introduce strict privacy policies
The FTC’s actions come after similar past warnings against data brokers. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has also proposed new rules to curb the sale of sensitive personal and financial information without consent, aiming to protect consumers’ safety and national security.
Data brokers’ practices have raised concerns about surveillance and the use of personal data for malicious purposes. The FTC’s decisions demonstrate a growing focus on protecting consumer privacy in the digital age.
Source: https://www.theregister.com/2024/12/04/ftc_data_brokers