'Anonymized Data' Is A Gibberish Term, And Rampant Location Data Sales Is Still A Problem
The article challenges the widespread corporate and governmental claim that user data is safe simply because it has been "anonymized." It highlights that this reassurance is misleading, as studies consistently demonstrate that removing direct identifiers like social security numbers does not prevent re-identification. With access to other available data sets, individuals can be easily traced, rendering the concept of true anonymity largely ineffective in protecting personal privacy. Location data is identified as a particularly vulnerable category, routinely collected by wireless carriers and app developers, then sold through opaque chains of data brokers. Despite user lack of awareness or control, this information allows for the precise mapping of daily activities, including homes, workplaces, and social habits. The opacity of these brokers, who often refuse to disclose their sources, exacerbates the risk, as the sheer volume of data makes it straightforward to link location traces to specific real-world identities, leading to potential abuse by stalkers or law enforcement. The persistence of these practices is fueled by stalled legislative efforts and intense industry lobbying, which have prevented the establishment of meaningful federal privacy laws. Consequently, companies continue to profit from selling location data while denying its sensitivity and resisting oversight. This status quo ensures that scandals and breaches will continue unchecked until a critical mass of public outcry forces regulatory change, highlighting the urgent need for transparency and robust data protection standards in the open data ecosystem.
Source: techdirt.comPublished on 2023-11-09