A recent investigation has uncovered that multiple US government agencies have been purchasing vast amounts of user data from tech companies like Facebook and Google, raising serious privacy concerns.
Government Surveillance Through Data Brokers
The report highlights that agencies such as the Department of Transportation and various state health departments have been acquiring location and browsing data from third-party brokers. This data, originally collected by social media platforms and advertising networks, is then used for purposes ranging from traffic analysis to public health monitoring.
Privacy Advocates Raise Alarm
Civil liberties groups have condemned the practice, arguing that it allows the government to circumvent traditional surveillance laws. "This creates a backdoor for mass surveillance without proper oversight," warned one digital rights activist.
Tech Companies' Role Under Scrutiny
While Facebook and Google claim they don't sell data directly to government agencies, their advertising ecosystems make user information readily available to data brokers. This revelation comes amid growing global scrutiny of tech companies' data practices.
Legal and Ethical Questions
The practice raises significant legal questions about the boundaries of government surveillance in the digital age. Some lawmakers are now calling for stricter regulations on how personal data can be bought and sold.
