Nadler & Thompson Send Letter Requesting Information on Government Purchase of Americans’ Private Data f t # e Washington, August 16, 2022On July 19, 2022, the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on government acquisition and use of Americans’ private information, entitled “Digital Dragnets: Examining the Government’s Access to Your Personal Data.” During questioning, witnesses testified that federal agencies frequently circumvent warrant requirements by purchasing data sets from companies participating in the data market. These sources can range from original sources, like social media companies and app developers, to companies that package data for sale, known as data brokers. These data sets—collected, packaged, and sold by private companies—have far ranging uses from benign microtargeting, to invasive digital profiles, to real-time location tracking. The House Judiciary and Homeland Security Committees seek greater clarity on the agency practice of purchasing commercial data to sidestep legal protections against unreasonable search and seizure. While all agency recipients have been reported to contract with data brokers, precise information regarding both the information available, as well as the frequency and nature of agency use is unknown.

Source: Washington Post August 16, 2022 20:34 UTC