US to investigate how cell phone operators use consumer data

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) said Thursday it will investigate whether cellphone carriers are complying with rules requiring consumers to disclose how their data is used and where it is shared.

“This information and geolocation data is highly confidential. It’s a record of where we’ve been and who we are,” FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel said. “That’s why the FCC is taking steps to ensure this data is protected,” he added.

In July, Rosenworcel asked the top 15 US wireless carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Comcast, Alphabet’s Google Fi, and Charter Communications, about their data retention and privacy policies and practices. The FCC released responses Thursday and made it easier for consumers to file complaints on its website.

In February 2020, the agency proposed to fine four major US wireless carriers more than $200 million for failing to protect consumers’ location information.

The topic has attracted renewed interest in recent months.

In July, Google said it was removing location data when users visited abortion clinics following concerns that a digital trail could inform authorities of illegal terminations.

As US states enacted new restrictions on abortion, concerns grew that warrants could be obtained for clients’ search histories, location and other information revealing plans to perform the procedure.

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