FTC Bans InMarket Media for Unauthorized Location Data Sale

In a decisive move, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has enacted a ban against InMarket Media for the unauthorized sale of consumers’ precise location data. The censure comes in the wake of revelations that InMarket’s shopping apps, CheckPoints and ListEase, collected data under the guise of offering rewards points and reminders but ultimately exploited it for targeted advertising without explicit consent. Under the FTC’s order, InMarket must cease these practices and erase its surreptitiously gathered geolocation troves. This crackdown underscores a staunch defense of privacy rights in the digital age.

The company’s covert operations came under increasing scrutiny when an investigation found that InMarket had sold geolocation data capable of tracking individuals to sensitive locales such as abortion clinics and places of worship. In the wake of the US Supreme Court ruling on abortion rights, the potential abuse of such intimate information has raised alarm. The data, as reported, could effectively demask users’ identities by linking GPS coordinates and unique markers from over 61 million devices. The ease of access to this data allowed third-party buyers to potentially engage in acts of targeted hostility or surveillance, constituting a serious breach of consumers’ trust and privacy.

Furthermore, actions taken directly correlate with the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to cyberspace ethics, particularly in the realm of reproductive health. President Biden’s Executive Order, aimed at safeguarding reproductive rights, explicitly calls for the protection of sensitive healthcare information. It embellishes upon the necessity to shield individuals from deceptive data practices and digital inspection. The FTC’s mandate mirrors these values, advocating for informed consent and transparent data handling procedures.

InMarket has subsequently enforced a robust privacy program to align with the FTC’s policies. These regulations mirror a broader societal concern over the mismanagement of personal data by technology companies, as delineated in the FTC’s findings. By prohibiting InMarket from further unethical distribution of user location information sans proper authorization, the FTC sends a potent message to the digital advertising industry that respect for consumer privacy is not negotiable.

This enforcement action thus stands as a stark reminder to companies of their legal and ethical obligations. It showcases the FTC’s commitment to safeguarding privacy rights, especially concerning sensitive location data. Laws and regulations must remain stern to deter others who may attempt similar intrusions into the personal lives of unknowing consumers. For those seeking clarity and safety in navigating their digital footprints, initiatives such as these are paramount. They ensure safeguarding user data remains paramount in our increasingly interconnected world.