In a recent alarming incident, the massive data location broker Gravy Analytics was breached. Data brokers are companies that collect, package, and sell personal information without individuals’ knowledge or consent. The data collected by these brokers can include sensitive details such as location, financial records, phone numbers, email addresses, and, in some cases, passwords. This info is often sold to third parties, including advertisers, marketers, and even law enforcement agencies, raising serious privacy concerns. This situation really highlights the growing threat posed by data brokers. Just last year National Public Data had an intrusion where many users’ passwords and data were stolen.
The Gravy Analytics hack exposed over 30 million compromised locations worldwide, including sensitive places like the White House, the Kremlin, and various military bases. Everyday users of popular apps like Tinder, Spotify, and Candy Crush also had their location data leaked. There is a severe lack of transparency and regulation in the data brokerage industry. This means that users have little control over how their information is shared. We can, however, try to opt out of data being shared on some websites, so if you see the possibility, try and do it.
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