FTC orders Mobilewalla, Gravy Analytics to stop collecting geolocation data without permission
By 
Adrianne Appel2025-01-17T16:09:00
Two large data brokers, Mobilewalla and Gravy Analytics, collected billions of records containing sensitive geolocation and personal data of millions of people, and then sold it without their consent, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) said.
Federal laws and rules protect individuals’ rights to privacy, which generally require express consent for the collection, use, and selling of personal data. It is possible to collect extensive information about individuals from the websites and places they visit through geolocation data collected by applications on mobile phones.
The FTC alleged that the companies did not receive consent for the collection and sale of sensitive data, including healthcare information, political views, and religious affiliation, along with if they had visited a domestic abuse shelter.
Related articles
-
News BriefGM sued by FTC for selling location and behavioral data without drivers' consent
General Motors failed to disclose to customers that it tracked their precise locations and driving behavior and sold the data to third parties, the Federal Trade Commission alleged in a proposed order.
-
PremiumProposed CFPB rule would attempt to rein in data broker buying, selling
Data brokers have been getting away with selling Americans’ personal and financial data without adequate protections, an illegal practice that a new rule proposed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will intend to stop, CFPB Director Rohit Chopra said.
-
News BriefFCC teams up with CPPA to enforce privacy rules
In an effort to streamline the enforcement of California’s stringent privacy rules, the Federal Communications Commission has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the California Privacy Protection Agency.
More from Regulatory Enforcement
-
ArticleFormer startup CEO gets 7 years in prison for $175M fraud against JPMorgan Chase
Charlie Javice, a former CEO who duped JPMorgan Chase into purchasing her start up company for $175 million, has been ordered to forfeit more than $22 million by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and to spend 7 years in jail.
-
ArticleGeorgia Tech to pay $875,000 for allegations brought by compliance officers
Georgia Tech Research Corp. (GTRC) has agreed to pay $875,000 to settle allegations first raised by two compliance officers that its cybersecurity protocols violated acceptable standards for defense contractors, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said.
-
ArticleTractor Supply Company hit with $1.35M fine for alleged California privacy violations
Tractor Supply Company has agreed to get into compliance with California’s consumer privacy law and to pay a $1.35 million fine—the largest yet by California—to settle allegations it violated the privacy rights of customers and job applicants.