AG Rob Bonta today announced an ongoing investigative sweep into the location data industry, sending letters to advertising networks, mobile app providers, and data brokers that appear to be in violation of the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Some Mobile apps collect vast amounts of detailed data on consumers’ location and share this information with advertising networks and data brokers, which further sell and disseminate the data. This enforcement sweep focuses on how covered businesses offer and effectuate consumers’ right to stop the sale and sharing of personal information and right to limit the use of their sensitive personal information, which includes geolocation data. The letters issued as part of the sweep announced today notify recipients of a potential violation of CCPA requirements and request additional information regarding the recipient’s business practices. The risk posed by the widespread collection and sale of location data has become immediately and particularly relevant given federal threats to California’s immigrant communities, and to reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare. 

Attorney General Bonta Announces Investigative Sweep of Location Data Industry, Compliance with California Consumer Privacy Act | State of California – Department of Justice – Office of the Attorney General