By Bitwave 
The Growing Concerns Surrounding Location Data
The recent location sharing scandal has brought to light the widespread abuses and misuses of consumers’ personal data within the location data industry. The chief executive of Foursquare, one of the largest location data platforms on the internet, is calling on lawmakers to pass legislation that better regulates this industry.
Background: The Location Sharing Scandal
The location sharing scandal has revealed how bounty hunters were able to obtain real-time location data for any cell subscriber by acquiring records from cell networks. This revelation has been followed by numerous cases of abuse, including the mass collection of vehicle locations in a single database and popular iPhone apps collecting user locations without explicit permission.
Cell Giants’ Pledges Remain Unfulfilled
The major cell providers have promised to stop selling location data but have been slow to act on these pledges. This lack of action has led Foursquare’s CEO, Jeff Glueck, to call for Congressional intervention in the form of a federal regulation that addresses the industry’s shortcomings.
Foursquare CEO’s Opinion Piece in The New York Times
In an opinion piece published in The New York Times on Wednesday, Glueck outlined three key points that any new law should address:
1. Explicit Consent for Location Data Access
Phone apps should not be allowed to access location data without explicitly stating how it will be used. This is a crucial step in protecting consumers’ privacy and preventing the misuse of their personal data.
- Apple has introduced a new feature that informs users where their apps track them and gives them options to restrict access, but many apps still fail to clearly state their intentions.
- Glueck asks, "Why should a flashlight app have your location data?"
2. Transparency and Opt-out Options for Consumers
Any new law should provide greater transparency around what app makers do with location data and give consumers the ability to opt out of data collection. This is in line with existing regulations like Europe’s GDPR and California’s incoming privacy law.
- Glueck emphasizes that "consumers, not companies, should control the process."
3. Companies Must Promise to ‘Do No Harm’
Companies collecting location data must agree to apply privacy-protecting measures to all data uses, ensuring they do not discriminate against individuals based on their religion, sexual orientation, or political beliefs.
- Glueck cites family tracking apps secretly passing on location data to healthcare providers as an example of the harm that can occur.
Regulation: A Gutsy Move for Foursquare
As a business that relies heavily on location data, Foursquare’s call for regulation may seem counterintuitive. However, Glueck suggests that companies like Foursquare would be less directly affected by stricter regulations as they already take a more measured and mindful approach to privacy.
The Potential Consequences of Overly Burdensome Regulations
Glueck warns that Congress could do "great damage" if lawmakers fail to push for reasonable regulation. He emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between protecting consumers’ rights and allowing companies to innovate within the industry.
Conclusion: Regulation is Necessary, Not Sufficient
In conclusion, Glueck stresses that comprehensive regulation will be necessary to support future innovation, weed out bad companies, and earn public trust.
Additional Context
- The location data industry has faced numerous challenges in recent times, including a massive data breach and allegations of misuse.
- This is not the first time Foursquare’s CEO has spoken out on the need for regulation. In 2022, Glueck advocated for stricter regulations to protect consumers’ personal data.
Regulating the Location Data Industry: A Call to Action
In light of the growing concerns surrounding location data, it is clear that regulating this industry is a pressing issue. Foursquare’s CEO has taken a bold step by advocating for Congressional action and highlighting the importance of addressing the industry’s shortcomings.
Sources:
- Foursquare’s Opinion Piece in The New York Times
- Recent Location Data Breach
- Allegations of Misuse in the Location Data Industry