Is AT&T Selling Location Data?

Almost everyone has a cell phone in their pocket or purse at all times. Although many users are unaware of it, these devices constantly collect valuable data, including data regarding the user’s location.

In 2018, several major cell phone carriers including AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon were found to be selling user location data to third parties. Although these wireless providers pledged to stop selling this data, consumers and consumer advocates are claiming that AT&T may still be selling theirs.

Is AT&T Selling Location Data?

In May 2018, cell phone carriers including AT&T were discovered to be selling user location data to third parties. While some of these third parties were legitimate organizations such as roadside assistance groups, emergency services, or background check companies, the data was also sold to data brokers. These data brokers may have sold the data to any number of other companies, and consumers are irate.

Although AT&T pledged last year to stop selling consumer data, it is still cheap and easy to buy phone location data for a given phone number, indicating that cell phone carriers may still be passing on the location data.

According to T-Mobile and AT&T, the companies are in the process of dissolving their relationships with data brokers, but there is no set end date for when this process will be complete. According to AT&T, “We only permit sharing of location when a customer gives permission, for cases like fraud prevention or emergency roadside assistance, or when required by law. Over the past few months, as we committed to do, we have been shutting down everything else.”

What is Location Data?

Location data is information that a cell phone or other smart device contains regarding its location. While it is integral to using GPS and other location-based services, it can also be collected by companies and used for other purposes.

Why AT&T Selling Location Data Is an Issue

Although location data may be used for helpful purposes, like the roadside assistance and emergency services mentioned, it may also be used in ways that consumers may find intrusive or undesirable.

Location data may be used by companies in order to send targeted advertising to consumers, collect information about consumers’ habits, and customize user experiences. However, location data may also be used by individuals to stalk, harass, and track other people.

Due to the relative ease involved with purchasing location data for specific phone numbers, individuals as well as companies may be able to acquire this personal and sensitive data without the consent of the cell phone owner. At least one woman has reported being stalked and harassed by an individual who purchased her cell phone location data in order to track her whereabouts.

Moreover, information is widely collected as cell phone platforms are used by other companies.  Google even demanded that AT&T stop selling data it was collecting via Google Fi phones.

According to the director of cybersecurity at the Electronic Frontier Foundation regarding selling data, “This is a blatant abuse of user privacy, and when companies break their promises to their users, they should expect to be held accountable.”

Victims who believe they have been subject to AT&T selling location data from their cell phones may be able to hire a qualified attorney and file a class action lawsuit. Victims may be able to collect financial damages for this invasion of privacy.

Join a Free Cell Phone Location Data Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you had a phone number through AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, or Sprint and made a call with that number between Apr. 26, 2015 and Feb. 9, 2019, you may be eligible to join this cell phone location data  class action lawsuit investigation.

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.