Calif. AG Probes Location Data Privacy Amid Concerns About Trump Policies
California DOJ will scrutinize the location data industry for possible California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) violations, Attorney General Rob Bonta (D) said Monday. The AG cited concerns about what the federal government could do with location information as he announced the investigative sweep.
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
“Every day, we give off a steady stream of data that broadcasts not only who we are, but where we go,” said Bonta. “This location data is deeply personal, can let anyone know if you visit a health clinic or hospital, and can identify your everyday habits and movements.” Bonta added, “Given the federal assaults on immigrant communities, as well as gender-affirming healthcare and abortion, businesses must take the responsibility to protect location data seriously.”
As part of the “ongoing” sweep, the department is sending letters to ad networks, mobile app providers and data brokers, said California DOJ: Some mobile “apps collect vast amounts of detailed data on consumers’ location and share this information with advertising networks and data brokers, which further sell and disseminate the data.”
“This enforcement sweep focuses on how covered businesses offer and effectuate consumers’ right to stop the sale and sharing of personal information and right to limit the use of their sensitive personal information, which includes geolocation data,” the department continued.