FTC Bans Gravy Analytics and Mobilewalla from Selling Sensitive Location Data

FTC Bans Data Brokers Gravy Analytics and Mobilewalla from Sensitive Location Data Collection

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently announced a significant crackdown on data brokers Gravy Analytics and Mobilewalla, which have been banned from collecting, using, and selling sensitive location data of Americans. This landmark decision aims to protect the privacy of individuals by limiting the access these companies have to personal information that could compromise safety and security.

Allegations of Misuse

The FTC's actions target Gravy Analytics, its subsidiary Venntel, and Mobilewalla based on allegations of violating the FTC Act. These companies were accused of gathering and selling information that could be used to track individuals to sensitive locations such as healthcare facilities, military bases, religious sites, labor union gatherings, and more.

Mobilewalla's Data Collection Tactics

According to FTC documents, Mobilewalla primarily sourced its data from real-time bidding exchanges. By bidding to display personalized ads on mobile devices, Mobilewalla retained tracking data that identified consumers. In addition, Mobilewalla acquired information from various other sources, enabling the firm to create comprehensive profiles based on users’ advertising IDs. This aggregated data allowed Mobilewalla to target specific audience segments, including pregnant women, and even track attendees of protests related to the death of George Floyd.

Venntel's Data Practices

Venntel's operations involved collecting location data through regular mobile applications and selling access to this data to other businesses and government agencies. Reportedly, several federal entities, including the IRS, DEA, FBI, CBP, and ICE, have purchased data from Venntel, raising questions about the privacy implications of such transactions.

New Compliance Requirements

Under the recent settlement, both companies must strictly adhere to compliance regulations. They are prohibited from:

• Selling, disclosing, or using sensitive location data in any form.
• Misrepresenting their methods of data collection, usage, and disclosure to consumers.
• Handling location data from institutions such as health clinics, religious organizations, correctional facilities, labor union offices, LGBTQ+-related locations, political gatherings, and military installations.

Reactions from Lawmakers

The FTC's decision has garnered support from lawmakers, notably Senator Ron Wyden from Oregon. Wyden, who has been a vocal advocate for consumer privacy, praised the FTC and the CFPB for curtailing the scope of data brokers’ operations. He highlighted the dangers posed when sensitive data about law enforcement officers, judges, and military personnel is sold on the open market.

Moreover, Wyden criticized the efficiency with which U.S. government agencies accessed American citizens' data without a warrant, reiterating that the FTC’s actions underscore the inaccuracy of claims suggesting consumers consented to these sales.

Conclusion

The FTC's ban on Gravy Analytics and Mobilewalla marks a decisive step towards enhancing consumer privacy in the digital age. As data collection practices come under increasing scrutiny, effective regulation is essential to protect individuals from invasive tracking and profiling.

For more information on data privacy regulations and consumer rights, refer to the FTC's official website.