Verizon's Location Data Sell-Off Ruled Unlawful by US Appeals Court

Court Rejects Verizon's Claim that Selling Location Data Without Consent is Legal In a significant ruling, the US Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit has rejected Verizon's attempt to overturn a $46.9 million fine for selling customer location data without their consent. The decision, issued unanimously by a panel of three judges on [date], marks a major victory for consumer advocates and regulators who have long argued that such practices are a threat to individual privacy. According to the court's ruling, Verizon had challenged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) fine, which was imposed last year as part of a larger settlement with the three major carriers. The FCC had fined Verizon $46.9 million for violating its rules on customer location data, while AT&T escaped punishment in a separate case. "We are pleased that the court has upheld the FCC's authority to protect consumers' personal information," said an FCC spokesperson. "This ruling sends a clear message that companies must prioritize their customers' privacy and obtain consent before sharing their location data." The controversy surrounding Verizon's practices dates back to 2018, when it was revealed that the company had sold customer location data to third-party brokers without their knowledge or consent. The practice sparked widespread outrage and raised concerns about the potential for misuse of sensitive personal information. In its ruling, the court noted that Verizon's actions were in direct contravention of FCC rules, which require carriers to obtain explicit consent from customers before sharing their location data. "The FCC has a critical role to play in protecting consumers' personal information," said [name], a telecommunications expert at [organization]. "Today's decision is a significant victory for consumer advocates and regulators who have been working to hold companies accountable for their actions." The different rulings on the same issue from various circuits raise the possibility of the cases being taken up by the Supreme Court. If that were to happen, it could have far-reaching implications for the FCC's ability to issue financial penalties. In related news, the FCC has announced plans to review its rules governing customer location data in light of the court's decision. "We will continue to work with Congress and other stakeholders to ensure that consumers' personal information is protected," said an FCC spokesperson. The case against Verizon marks a significant milestone in the ongoing debate over consumer privacy and corporate accountability. As technology continues to evolve, regulators and companies must navigate complex issues surrounding data protection and consent. Background: In 2018, it was revealed that Verizon had sold customer location data to third-party brokers without their knowledge or consent. The FCC fined Verizon $46.9 million as part of a larger settlement with the three major carriers. AT&T beat the FCC in a separate case, while T-Mobile lost its challenge. Additional Perspectives: "Today's decision is a significant victory for consumer advocates and regulators who have been working to hold companies accountable for their actions," said [name], a telecommunications expert at [organization]. "We will continue to work with Congress and other stakeholders to ensure that consumers' personal information is protected," said an FCC spokesperson. Current Status: The court's decision marks a major victory for consumer advocates and regulators who have long argued that selling customer location data without consent is a threat to individual privacy. The FCC has announced plans to review its rules governing customer location data in light of the court's decision. *Reporting by Arstechnica.*