The data broker market specializing in location tracking is a booming industry valued at over $12 billion annually. However, this lucrative market is fraught with significant privacy concerns that affect consumers in ways that go beyond the convenience of booking rides or checking weather forecasts. Once your data is sold to a data broker, the implications can be profound and far-reaching.
The Intricacies of Location Data Privacy
Every day, various entities collect different types of personal data from us without our explicit knowledge, with the collection of precise location data being particularly alarming. This type of data can reveal intimate details about our lives, such as our medical care providers and services, whether we’ve sought refuge in a domestic abuse shelter, places of worship we frequent, activities and whereabouts of our children (if they possess mobile devices), vacation timings and destinations, our favorite shopping and dining spots, and even our banking institutions. The precision of this data, often defined as within 1750 feet but capable of being accurate up to 3 meters (about the length of a car), raises significant privacy issues.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
An increasing number of state privacy laws now classify precise geolocation data as “sensitive personal information,” requiring users to give explicit opt-in consent before anyone can collect such data. However, legitimate uses of location data, like navigation with maps apps, often result in capturing and subsequently misusing this information. Data brokers, once they acquire this data, can exploit it for various purposes, including targeted advertising and more nefarious activities like stalking or debt collection.
High-Profile Misuse Cases
Recent years have seen notable legal actions against entities like Kochava and X-Mode for misusing sensitive location data, highlighting the risks associated with unauthorized tracking. These cases exemplify the dangers of data brokerage, underscoring the need for stringent protections against the misuse of our location information.
Safeguarding Geolocation Data
Companies should avoid using third-party code in their apps and websites to protect against violations of geolocation regulations, or at least implement strict contractual controls with third-party providers. Taking these measures is crucial to prevent the sale or transfer of sensitive data without permission.
Navigating Legal Loopholes
Despite new legislation targeting the protection of location data privacy, controlling the use of data after third parties have collected it remains a challenge. Federal and state laws are evolving to tackle these concerns, yet effectively safeguarding sensitive personal information requires a comprehensive federal framework.
Enhanced Strategies to Combat Data Brokers
Protecting your location data involves more than just limiting app permissions. Here are additional steps you can take:
- Disable Ad Tracking: On many devices, you can opt-out of ad tracking, which prevents apps from using your location to serve personalized ads. This can be found in the privacy settings of your device.
- Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can mask your internet connection’s location, adding an extra layer of privacy to your online activities.
- Limit Social Media Exposure: Exercise caution when sharing location information on social media platforms, even in seemingly harmless posts or photos, because others can use it to track your movements.
- Regularly Check Privacy Settings: Operating systems and apps frequently update their privacy settings. Make it a habit to regularly review these settings to ensure that any new permissions or default settings do not compromise your location privacy.
- Turn Off Location History: Some services, like Google, keep a history of your locations. You can turn this feature off in your account settings to prevent the accumulation of this data.
- Use Location Spoofing Apps with Caution: While these apps can hide your actual location, they may also violate terms of service for some apps and can introduce security risks of their own.
- Educate Yourself About Bluetooth Tracking: Be aware that devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers can also track your location. Consider turning off Bluetooth when not in use.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on Sensitive Accounts: This can add an extra layer of security, preventing unauthorized access even if someone gains access to your location data.
- Be Mindful of Public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi networks can be used to intercept internet traffic, including location data. Use public Wi-Fi with caution and avoid accessing sensitive information without a VPN.
- Audit Device Permissions Regularly: Take time to review each app on your device to ensure that you only grant location access to necessary apps and that you set permissions to your comfort level. By adopting these practices and supporting broader privacy initiatives, consumers can better shield themselves from the pervasive reach of data brokers and safeguard their sensitive information in an increasingly connected world.
- Contact Data Brokers Directly: Where possible, reach out to data brokers and request the removal of your personal information from their databases. This can help reduce your digital footprint and the potential misuse of your data.
- Utilize Privacy-Focused Browsers and Search Engines: Opt for web browsers and search engines that prioritize user privacy and do not track your location or search history. These tools can significantly reduce the amount of personal data that is collected and stored.
By adopting these practices and supporting broader privacy initiatives, consumers can better shield themselves from the pervasive reach of data brokers and safeguard their sensitive information in an increasingly connected world.