Is it possible to ensure the national security of citizens without digging into their "dirty laundry"?
The US National Security Agency (NSA) has confirmed acquiring internet browsing data from data brokers to identify websites and apps used by Americans, bypassing the need for court approval. This was stated by US Senator Ron Wyden.
Wyden criticizes this practice, pointing out that such actions are unethical and illegal: "The US government should not fund and legitimize a dubious industry that violates the privacy of Americans." He calls for steps to ensure that intelligence agencies acquire data about US citizens legally.
Metadata about users online habits can reveal personal information, including the use of resources related to mental health, assistance to victims of sexual violence, and telemedicine.
The NSA assured that it has already developed compliance mechanisms and is trying to minimize the collection of data on US citizens, acquiring only data necessary for performing critical tasks.
It is also reported that the NSA does not buy or use location data from phones in the United States without a court order, and does not use location information from automotive telematics systems.
Ronald S. Moultrie, Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security, emphasizes that components of the Department of Defense use commercially available information, while maintaining high standards for protecting privacy and civil liberties.
These disclosures follow the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) ban on Outlogic and InMarket Media from selling accurate location information without users informed consent. Outlogic is also prohibited from collecting data that can be used to track visits to sensitive locations.
Senator Wyden notes that the purchase of sensitive data exists in a gray legal area, and consumers are often unaware of who is sharing their data.
Wyden pays particular attention to the fact that applications with SDKs from these data brokers and advertising technologies do not notify users about the sale and transfer of location data, whether for advertising or national security.
Wyden points out that the FTC requires users explicit consent to sell their data to government contractors for national security purposes, but in fact no company provides such warnings.
The US National Security Agency (NSA) has confirmed acquiring internet browsing data from data brokers to identify websites and apps used by Americans, bypassing the need for court approval. This was stated by US Senator Ron Wyden.
Wyden criticizes this practice, pointing out that such actions are unethical and illegal: "The US government should not fund and legitimize a dubious industry that violates the privacy of Americans." He calls for steps to ensure that intelligence agencies acquire data about US citizens legally.
Metadata about users online habits can reveal personal information, including the use of resources related to mental health, assistance to victims of sexual violence, and telemedicine.
The NSA assured that it has already developed compliance mechanisms and is trying to minimize the collection of data on US citizens, acquiring only data necessary for performing critical tasks.
It is also reported that the NSA does not buy or use location data from phones in the United States without a court order, and does not use location information from automotive telematics systems.
Ronald S. Moultrie, Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security, emphasizes that components of the Department of Defense use commercially available information, while maintaining high standards for protecting privacy and civil liberties.
These disclosures follow the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) ban on Outlogic and InMarket Media from selling accurate location information without users informed consent. Outlogic is also prohibited from collecting data that can be used to track visits to sensitive locations.
Senator Wyden notes that the purchase of sensitive data exists in a gray legal area, and consumers are often unaware of who is sharing their data.
Wyden pays particular attention to the fact that applications with SDKs from these data brokers and advertising technologies do not notify users about the sale and transfer of location data, whether for advertising or national security.
Wyden points out that the FTC requires users explicit consent to sell their data to government contractors for national security purposes, but in fact no company provides such warnings.
