# The Disturbing Truth About Location Data Sales: A Review of US Military Personnel Cases
In a troubling disclosure from the previous year, it was revealed that sensitive location information concerning US military and intelligence members deployed abroad was being marketed by a data broker located in Florida. Initially, the origin of this data was unclear, escalating substantial worries regarding privacy and security. New investigations have disclosed that this data was collected through numerous mobile applications that had revenue-sharing arrangements with a Lithuanian advertising technology firm, ultimately resulting in its resale by an American company.
## The Challenge of Location Data Obtained by Applications
The practice of collecting location data has become widespread among mobile applications. For specific apps, such as navigation tools and transit schedules, obtaining location data is crucial for operational effectiveness. Other applications, like those for photo capture, may gather location data to improve user experience, enabling users to search for images based on their geographical origin. Nonetheless, many applications gather location data without any clear rationale, prompting concerns about privacy.
Apple’s iOS mandates that apps obtain user consent for location tracking; however, numerous users face requests from applications that appear to lack a genuine requirement for such information. This is primarily due to the profitable nature of location data for advertisers. Developers frequently engage in agreements with ad-tech firms, facilitating targeted advertising based on geographical information in exchange for a portion of the revenue.
The heart of the problem lies in the ambiguous wording of these agreements, which may allow for the resale of location data. Even where contracts explicitly forbid this practice, unethical companies may still partake in the resale of sensitive information.
## Locations of US Military and Intelligence Personnel Sold
The inquiry into the sale of location data by Datastream, a US-based data broker, uncovered distressing specifics regarding the type of information being exchanged. Reports suggested that Datastream was providing access to precise location data from devices likely associated with American military and intelligence personnel abroad, including positions near German airbases thought to house US nuclear arms.
A collaborative investigation by WIRED, Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR), and Netzpolitik.org examined a sample of location data from Datastream. The investigation indicated that the data was probably captured via software development kits (SDKs) integrated into mobile applications, which developers incorporated in return for revenue-sharing agreements with data brokers.
In light of these discoveries, Senator Ron Wyden’s office requested clarification from Datastream about its involvement in the trafficking of military personnel’s location data. Datastream named Eskimi, a Lithuanian ad-tech firm, as its source, asserting that the information was acquired legitimately from a reputable third-party vendor. However, Eskimi claimed that the data was not meant for resale.
As investigations proceed, the specific applications responsible for gathering this critical data have yet to be identified. It also remains uncertain whether the agreements signed by developers permitted the resale of location data or if they were solely focused on ad targeting within the applications.
## Surveillance Firms with More Profitable Models
Zach Edwards, a senior threat analyst at cybersecurity company Silent Push, underscores that this incident is indicative of a larger trend. Numerous ad-tech firms are now selling location data to both private companies and governmental bodies. Edwards succinctly notes, “Advertising companies are simply surveillance companies with better business models.”
This is not the inaugural instance of applications compromising the location data of military personnel. There have been prior cases where military and law enforcement organizations acquired location data, underscoring the continuing dangers linked to location tracking.
## 9to5Mac’s Perspective
The ramifications of this situation extend beyond the military; it raises essential questions regarding user privacy and consent. Most individuals utilizing mobile applications do not presume that their location data could be resold, regardless of the fine print in privacy policies.
Given these disclosures, there is an urgent necessity for legislative action to forbid the sale of sensitive personal data. As technology continues to advance, regulations must also evolve to safeguard individuals from the potential exploitation of their personal information.
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*Photo by [Joel Rivera-Camacho](https://unsplash.com/@actuallyjoel?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash) on Unsplash*
