EPIC Commends California Attorney General’s Investigative Sweep into Location Data Industry

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has initiated investigations into the location data industry, targeting advertising networks, mobile app providers, and data brokers on their compliance with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Specifically, the investigation targets noncompliance with the CCPA provisions providing consumers with rights to opt out of the sale and sharing of their personal information, including sensitive geolocation data. 

Data broker collection of location data is dangerous—sensitive information, such as whether an individual went to an abortion clinic, places of religious worship, LGBTQ+ bars, domestic abuse shelters, U.S. government facilities, or political protests can be gleaned from location data. Investigation of compliance with the CCPA is a welcome step in ensuring that the location data industry is respecting California consumers’ data rights. 

EPIC has consistently advocated for the protection of consumer location data, highlighting the harm to communities at risk and national security posed by location data collection and sale.