EPIC Testifies in Support of Ban on Sale of Precise Location Data in Virginia

EPIC Deputy Director Caitriona Fitzgerald testified today before the the Virginia House of Delegates Communications, Technology and Innovation Committee in support of SB338, which bans the sale of precise geolocation data. The bill passed the Virginia Senate earlier this month.

EPIC submitted testimony in support of the bill “[b]y banning the sale of precise geolocation data, S.B. 338 would put a stop to some of the most harmful abuses of our personal data happening today.” EPIC noted that the harms of the overcollection and widespread sale of precise geolocation data have also come to the forefront recently amid reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has purchased software that allows the agency to track millions of Americans via their cellphones. Bypassing Fourth Amendment protections, ICE has purchased access to a social media and phone surveillance product that allows the agency to monitor specific areas for mobile phones and track the movements of those devices (or their owners) over time.

The bill was unanimously reported from the Committee at the conclusion of testimony.

EPIC supports SB 338 and urges the Virginia House of Delegates to pass this vital piece of legislation this session.