These days, almost every app you download asks for location permission. In other words, it wants to track where you are and your movements. For apps like Google Maps, requesting location access makes perfect sense. It also makes sense for apps like Uber and Doordash. This depends on the location of the service.
However, many apps that have nothing to do with location still ask for it, and we often grant these permissions without thinking twice. When you provide app access to your location, that data may be stored and possibly sold. According to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, this practice is not uncommon.
A recent lawsuit filed by Paxton alleges that the insurance company Allstate collected and sold the smartphone location data of 45 million Americans.
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Illustration of a company tracking customer data. (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
Allstate allegedly collected and stole data
in press releasePaxton announced that it has sued Allstate and its subsidiary Arity for illegally collecting, using, and selling data about the location and movements of Texans’ cell phones. The data was collected through software secretly embedded in mobile apps such as Life360. “Allstate and other insurance companies then used the secretly obtained data to justify raising insurance premiums in Texas.” the press release said.
The insurance provider is said to have collected miles worth of location data from more than 45 million Americans across the country. This data was reportedly used to build “the world’s largest driving behavior database.” Allstate and other insurance companies allegedly used the database to justify sourcing auto insurance premiums when customers requested quotes or renewed coverage.
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Paxton claims the actions violated Texas data privacy and security laws. The lawsuit alleges that customers were not clearly informed that their data was being collected and did not consent to the practices.
“Our investigation revealed that Allstate and Arity paid millions of dollars to mobile apps to install Allstate’s tracking software,” Paxton said. “The personal data of millions of Americans was sold to insurance companies without their knowledge or consent in violation of the law. Texans deserve better and hold all these companies accountable. .”
We have contacted Allstate and Arity for comment. A representative from Allstate Corporation provided this statement to Cyberguy. “Arity helps consumers obtain the most accurate auto insurance prices after consent in a simple and transparent manner that is fully compliant with all laws and regulations.”
Illustration of a person laying out how company tracking works. (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
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Automakers seem to do this all the time
Automakers have been accused of selling similar data to insurance companies. Last year, Paxton sued General Motors for collecting and selling the personal driving data of more than 1.5 million Texans and selling it to insurance companies without their knowledge or consent. In addition to insurance companies, data brokers are frequent buyers of customer data. Critics say these brokers fail to adequately protect information, leaving them vulnerable to hackers. Early this month, the hacker claimed For violating the Gravy analysis, the company is a major location data broker and parent company of Ventel, known for selling smartphone location data to U.S. government agencies.
Illustration of a hacker looking at someone’s personal data. (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
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5 ways to stay safe from unwanted tracking
1. Avoid installing insurance company apps. Many insurance companies encourage users to download apps to “simplify” billing, payments, or policy management. However, these apps often collect and track location data under the guise of improving their services. If the app is not absolutely required, please manage your account through the company’s website or contact customer service directly instead.
2. Do not grant location permissions unnecessarily. When an app requests location access, ask yourself whether you need this information to work. For example, a Weather app may require approximate location data, but a Flashlight app does not. Always select “Allow only while using the app” or “Allow” unless absolutely necessary. Also, most modern devices can also provide an approximate location rather than an exact location. This is a safe option when location access is unavoidable.
3. Regularly check and manage app permissions: Over time, you may forget which apps were granted permissions. Periodically go through your device’s app settings to check and adjust permissions. On most devices you can access this setting > privacy > App permissions (Specific steps vary depending on your operating system). Revoke access for apps you don’t need or seem suspicious.
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4. Turn off location services if you are not using them. Avoid location services when you don’t need them. This makes it less likely that apps or devices will passively track you in the background. For tasks like mapping or food delivery, turn on location services temporarily and then turn them off when you’re done. For added security, avoid connecting Public Wi-Fi Networks can also be used to track location indirectly.
5. Use privacy-centric tools and apps. Invest in tools designed to protect your privacy. A virtual private network (VPN) can mask your location online and prevent unwanted tracking while you browse. A VPN also protects you from people who want to track and identify your potential locations and the websites you visit. For the best VPN software, see my expert reviews of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices
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Cart important points
If AllState is indeed illegally collecting and selling people’s location data, Attorney General Paxton is right to hold them accountable by filing a lawsuit. In an era where cybercriminals take advantage of every opportunity to defraud individuals, businesses that fail to protect customer data will not be accepted and will face consequences. Data has become the new oil and everyone seems to want to exploit it. Often at the expense of ordinary people. Companies that prioritize profits over privacy undermine trust and put consumers at risk, making it important to enforce strict accountability for such practices.
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