Topics
Latest
AI
Amazon
Image Credits:Getty Images
Apps
Biotech & Health
mood
Image Credits:Getty Images
Cloud Computing
Commerce
Crypto
Enterprise
EVs
Fintech
Fundraising
contrivance
Gaming
Government & Policy
ironware
Layoffs
Media & Entertainment
Meta
Microsoft
privateness
Robotics
security measures
societal
Space
startup
TikTok
Transportation
speculation
More from TechCrunch
effect
Startup Battlefield
StrictlyVC
Podcasts
television
Partner Content
TechCrunch Brand Studio
Crunchboard
get through Us
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has banned the data broker X - Mode Social from sharing or selling users ’ sensitive location datum , the Union regulator say Tuesday .
The first of its sort settlement prohibits X - musical mode , now known as Outlogic , from sharing and trade user ’ sensitive information to others . The settlement will also require the data factor to delete or destroy all the localisation data it antecedently collect , along with any products produced from this data , unless the company obtain consumer consent or ensures the datum has been de - identified .
10 - Mode buys and sells access to the location data collected from ordinary phone apps . While just one of many organizations in the multibillion - dollar data broker industry , X - Mode faced scrutiny forselling access to the commercial location dataof Americans ’ past movements to the U.S. authorities andmilitary contractor .
Soon after , Apple and Google separate developers toremove X - Mode from their appsor face a ban from the app stores .
The FTC alleged that X - Mode sell precise location data that could be used to chase hoi polloi ’s visits to sensitive locations , such as medical and reproductive health clinic , places of religious worship and domestic insult shelters .
The regulator also alleged that the data broker failed to move out the sensitive fix from the cutting locating data it sold to third - party and did not apply “ reasonable or appropriate safeguards ” against downstream use of this accurate location data point . For at least one of its contract , the FTC said that X - Mode provided an unknown private clinical inquiry companionship with information about consumers who had visited certain medical facilities , chemist’s or specialty infusion centers within a geographic area across Columbus , Ohio .
X - Mode also failed to assure that exploiter of its own apps — Drunk Mode and Walk Against Humanity — were fully inform about how their precise positioning data point would be used , the FTC said .
Join us at TechCrunch Sessions: AI
Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI
“ The entropy revealed through the location data that X - Mode / Outlogic sold not only violated consumer ’ concealment but also expose them to likely discrimination , strong-arm furiousness , emotional distress , and other damage , ” the FTC say in a argument .
“ Geolocation information can reveal not just where a person lives and whom they spend time with but also , for example , which medical treatments they try and where they worship , ” tell FTC chair Lina M. Khan . “ The FTC ’s action against X - Mode makes clear that businesses do not have free licence to market and sell Americans ’ raw location datum . ”
“ By secure a first - ever ban on the use and sale of sensitive localisation data , the FTC is go forward its critical workplace to protect Americans from intrusive datum brokers and unchecked corporate surveillance , ” said Khan .
As per the FTC ’s order , X - Mode must also implement procedures to ensure that recipient of its locating data do not assort the information with location that provide service to LGBTQIA+ people , provide a simple way for consumers to withdraw their consent for the collection and use of their location data point and establish and apply a comprehensive privacy program that protects the privateness of consumers ’ personal information .
A affirmation give to TechCrunch by public relations firm Broadsheet , which represent Outlogic , study : “ We differ with the entailment of the FTC jam firing . After a drawn-out investigation , the FTC found no example of misuse of any data and made no such allegation . Since its origination , X - Mode has imposed exacting contractual terms on all data customer interdict them from associating its data with sensitive locations such as healthcare facility . Adherence to the FTC ’s freshly introduced insurance policy will be secure by implementing extra technical cognitive process and will not require any meaning changes to business or products . ”
Sen. Ron Wyden , whose office first revealed that X - Mode had sold locating data to U.S. military contractors , said in response to the FTC ’s findings : “ I commend the FTC for submit toughened action to hold this shady localization data broker responsible for for its sale of Americans ’ location data point . ”
update with comment from Outlogic and Ron Wyden ’s office .
Location broker X - Mode go on to track users despite app storehouse ban
