It's no secret that government agencies have significant access to personal data, much of which we inadvertently provide. They often acquire this information directly or purchase it from data brokers that specialize in collecting and selling user data. A recent investigation by 404 Media has revealed that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is among the agencies utilizing location data gathered through advertising to monitor individuals' movements.
Other federal entities, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the FBI, have also engaged in purchasing location data from brokers in recent years. An internal document from the Department of Homeland Security, obtained by 404 Media, indicates that CBP sources its tracking data partly through real-time bidding (RTB), a process integral to online advertising.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) explains that this data exposure occurs almost instantaneously whenever users interact with ad-supported applications or websites. When an ad is served, the application communicates with an ad tech company to determine which advertisements to display. This company compiles a "bid request" that includes personal data such as the device's advertising ID, IP address, demographic details, and GPS coordinates, which is then sent to numerous advertisers. The highest bidder ultimately gets their ad shown.
This system allows both ad tech firms and advertisers to access extensive user data, enabling them to track movements over time through specific devices.
Protecting Your Location Data
As noted by EFF, law enforcement agencies across the United States can acquire location data from data brokers without needing a warrant, placing the responsibility on users to safeguard their privacy. Notably, Apple devices offer more privacy-oriented settings compared to Android, as iOS apps must request permission to access advertising IDs, allowing users to opt-out more easily.
Here are several strategies to minimize location tracking:
Disable Advertising IDs
For Android users, navigate to Settings > Security & privacy > Privacy controls > Ads and select Delete advertising ID. On iOS, you can globally disable the advertising ID by going to Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking and turning off Allow Apps to Request to Track. Additionally, visit Settings > Privacy & Security > Apple Advertising and disable Personalized Ads to prevent internal tracking.
Review App Location Access
It's essential to audit which applications have access to your location data and revoke permissions that are not critical for their functionality. Allow apps to access your location only when in use and disable precise location sharing to ensure only approximate data is visible.
Utilize Airplane Mode
Activating airplane mode is a quick method to halt real-time tracking, especially useful in sensitive situations. While your device may still store and transmit data later, it's less likely that apps will do so immediately.
By implementing these measures, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their personal data from unwarranted surveillance, fostering a more secure digital environment.
The ongoing evolution of technology and data privacy highlights the importance of awareness and proactive measures in safeguarding personal information, paving the way for a future where privacy is prioritized.