"We do purchase commercially available information that is consistent with the Constitution and the laws under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, and it has led to some valuable intelligence for us to be utilized with our private and partner sectors."
"The information now purchased by the FBI is collected and sold by data brokers to improve targeted advertising to online consumers. The technology tracks a person's location and influences the type of advertising the individual sees while visiting websites."
"The information isn't considered private, and law enforcement does not need a warrant to purchase it from data brokers. Mr. Patel did not specify how the FBI has used internet location information, but, according to EFF, the bureau and the Homeland Security Department have purchased location information from the data broker Venntell to hunt down illegal immigrants."
FBI Director Kash Patel disclosed that the bureau purchases commercially available data, including internet user location information derived from online advertising, stating this practice complies with the Constitution and the Electronic Communications Privacy Act. This represents a policy shift from former FBI Director Christopher Wray, who stated in 2023 that the FBI did not purchase American internet users' location data. Data brokers collect and sell this location information to improve targeted advertising. Law enforcement does not require a warrant to purchase such data since it is not classified as private. The FBI and Department of Homeland Security have used location data from broker Venntell to track illegal immigrants. The Defense Intelligence Agency also utilizes internet advertising location data. Senator Ron Wyden expressed outrage, characterizing the practice as a Fourth Amendment violation.
Read at The Washington Times
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