Without a law, the government can't protect your privacy

The New York Times The Federal Trade Commission just took much-needed action against a company and its subsidiaries.

- ZEYNEP TUFEKCI

You've probably never heard of those companies, but they've probably heard of you. More accurately, they know where you've been. Exactly where you've been.

A clinic providing reproductive services? A protest? The new place you just moved, while trying to hide the address from an abusive ex or a stalker? They know.

Earlier investigations revealed that the companies, Gravy Analytics and its subsidiary Venntel, got that data through innocuous-looking apps, including weather and navigation apps. They sold that location data to third parties, including but not just law enforcement agencies. One minute you're checking whether it's raining, the next thing you know, immigration police are at the door, asking why you were visiting a migrant shelter. No need for a warrant, just a payment to a corporation will do.