The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has finalized an order that prevents Gravy Analytics and its subsidiary, Venntel, from unlawfully tracking and selling sensitive location data. This includes information about consumers' visits to health-related locations and places of worship.
Last month, the FTC filed a complaint alleging that Gravy Analytics and Venntel violated the FTC Act by unfairly selling sensitive consumer location data. The complaint also claimed they collected and used this data without obtaining verifiable user consent for both commercial and government purposes. According to the complaint, Gravy Analytics employed geofencing technology to identify and sell lists of consumers who visited healthcare facilities and places of worship, along with additional lists linking individual consumers to other sensitive characteristics.
Under the new order, Gravy Analytics and Venntel are prohibited from selling, disclosing, or using sensitive location data except in limited situations involving national security or law enforcement. Additionally, the companies are required to establish a program for handling sensitive location data responsibly.
The FTC received two substantive comments on the matter before voting unanimously 5-0 to approve the final order and respond to these commenters.
The Federal Trade Commission aims to promote competition while protecting and educating consumers. The agency emphasizes that it will never demand money, make threats, instruct individuals to transfer money, or promise prizes. For more information on consumer topics or to report fraud, scams, or bad business practices, visit consumer.ftc.gov or ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Stay updated with FTC news by following them on social media, reading their consumer alerts and business blog, or signing up for news alerts.
