Organizations that collect, use, purchase, or sell sensitive location data should remain cautious of its data practices and the recent FTC settlement with data broker X-Mode Social, Inc. (succeeded by Outlogic LLC). On January 9, 2024, the FTC published a press release detailing its settlement with the data broker regarding its practices of selling information that included consumer visits to sensitive locations. This settlement appears to be a direct result of the FTC asserting its policy objectives in light of the recent Dobbs case which overruled Roe v. Wade. This settlement serves as a reminder for all organizations to continuously analyze its data collection and processing practices and implement routine data hygiene procedures.
