Gravy Analytics has been one of the most important companies in the location data industry for years, collating smartphone location data from around the world selling some to the U.S. government. Hackers say they stole a mountain of data.
In December, the FTC announced sweeping action against Gravy and Venntel, saying in a proposed order they will be banned from selling, disclosing, or using sensitive location data, except in “limited circumstances” involving national security or law enforcement. The FTC also demanded the companies delete all historic location data. The agency alleged that Gravy and Venntel violated the FTC Act by “unfairly selling sensitive consumer location data, and by collecting and using consumers’ location data without obtaining verifiable user consent for commercial and government uses.”
Ah. Meeeeemoriiieeeeees.