Business and Technology
Making Mobiles Honest About Location Data
The Federal Communications Commission said Thursday the agency will investigate mobile carriers’ compliance with rules requiring carriers to fully disclose to consumers how they are using and sharing geolocation data.
"Our mobile phones know a lot about us. That means carriers know who we are, who we call, and where we are at any given moment. This information and geolocation data is really sensitive," FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said. "That’s why the FCC is taking steps to ensure this data is protected."
The U.S. Government's communications regulatory body is looking into "geolocation" done by mobile phones, and whether phone users are aware how their location data can be harvested and sold to third parties.
So-called "geolocation" uses the phone's built-in GPS capabilities to precisely show a user's location. This is done through "apps" that a mobile user grants access to that data in order to use the app. And mobile services argue that because the phone user has said "yes" in order to use the app involved, there is no violation of privacy.
In July, Rosenworcel asked the 15 top U.S. mobile carriers including Verizon , AT&T, and T-Mobile for information about their data retention and data privacy policies and practices. The FCC released the responses Thursday.
