Sensitive location data: FTC sets some limits on two data traders
Conventional smartphones collect a lot of location data, and some companies have specialized in selling it. Two of them now have to cut back a little.
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The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is ordering two data traders to stop sharing location data in connection with certain places. The companies Gravy Analytics and Venntel are to be prohibited from selling, disclosing or using "sensitive location data", the FTC announced on Tuesday. In addition, both companies are to set up a program to prevent the use of such data altogether in future. Data that has already been collected is to be deleted.
Comprehensive surveillance by the private sector
Data traders collect data on the location of devices using normal smartphone applications or internet advertising, for example. This location data is then aggregated and sold on, including to authorities. The practice has long been criticized, partly because it allows US intelligence and law enforcement agencies to conduct targeted surveillance that is otherwise prohibited or very difficult. The FTC's move will not really put a stop to this.
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As the FTC explains, the planned restrictions relate to sensitive locations such as medical facilities, religious organizations, prisons, trade union offices, schools or daycare centers, places that support people from different ethnic backgrounds, places that help the homeless and military facilities. Location data on such facilities may now no longer be sold, at least not by Gravy Analytics and its subsidiary Venntel. The plan must now be approved by a court.
Before announcing the requirements for Gravy Analytics and Venntel, the FTC had already announced similar measures for another data broker. Mobilewalla is to be prohibited from selling certain "sensitive location data", including data that reveals where the data subjects live. The company is also to be prohibited from selling data collected at auctions for online advertising sites on which Mobilewalla did not want to advertise. According to FTC boss Lina Khan, this would protect people in America from "uncontrolled surveillance".
(mho)
