FBI/DHS/ICE warrantless surveillance + FISA 702 + brokers
Key Questions
What is the Senate's action on FISA 702?
The Senate approved a 45-day extension of FISA 702 surveillance authorities. Lawmakers are also pushing to close data broker loopholes that allow warrantless access to location data.
How are data brokers involved in selling location information?
Data brokers collect and sell geolocation data from sources like vehicles and phones to insurers, law enforcement, and others. This practice raises concerns about bypassing warrant requirements under FISA 702.
What lawsuits address ALPR surveillance?
Lawsuits and public backlash target automatic license plate reader (ALPR) systems used for tracking vehicles. Critics argue these create pervasive surveillance without adequate oversight.
What action did the FTC take against Kochava?
The FTC settled with data broker Kochava over the sale of sensitive location data. The case highlights risks of re-identifying individuals from anonymized datasets.
What was the outcome of the Meta location data privacy suit?
A California federal judge dismissed the proposed class action against Meta regarding app users' location data. The ruling ended the suit permanently.
What is the GM/OnStar settlement about?
General Motors agreed to a $13 million settlement over unlawful sharing of driver data collected through OnStar. The FTC order addresses four years of improper data trades with brokers.
What privacy issues arise with Venntel and location data?
Venntel has faced scrutiny for de-anonymizing location data sold to government agencies. Courts have examined whether this violates Fourth Amendment protections.
How can vehicle owners stop sharing driving data?
Owners can disable data sharing in their vehicle's privacy settings to prevent brokers from receiving driving information. Some also remove tracking modules from cars like Ford, Toyota, and RAM.
Senate FISA 702 45-day extension; lawmakers urge closing data broker loopholes; ALPR lawsuits and backlash; FTC Kochava ban; Meta privacy suit setback; GM/OnStar settlement; Venntel de-anonymization and 4th Amendment issues.