How data brokers sell location data and jeopardise national security
An investigation by netzpolitik.org and Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR) has uncovered the alarming practice of data brokers selling the location data of millions of individuals in Germany. This data, obtained from a Florida-based data broker, contains 3.6 billion location data points from Germany, with implications for national security and individual privacy. The data originates from mobile phone apps that collect GPS data for advertising purposes, raising concerns about consent, data protection, and the potential misuse of sensitive information.
The data set reveals the movements of millions of people, providing insights into their daily routines, workplaces, and even potentially sensitive locations such as government offices and military bases. Despite the legal basis cited by companies in the industry regarding user consent, data protection experts argue that the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) may not be met. The German government and politicians are calling for stricter regulations to address the risks posed by the uncontrolled trade in personal location data and its potential exploitation by foreign intelligence services.
Experts and consumer advocates are urging for tighter regulations on the data marketplace, emphasizing the need to protect personal data from commercial exploitation. The revelations have sparked discussions on the need for legislative action at both the national and EU levels to safeguard individual privacy and prevent security breaches. With concerns raised about the lack of enforcement mechanisms and the potential security implications of unrestricted data trading, the call for stronger data protection measures is gaining momentum in the face of growing privacy concerns.
