US intelligence agencies buy citizens' personal data

TechCrunch cites a declassified US government document detailing how domestic intelligence agencies have purchased large amounts of Commercially Available Information (CAI) belonging to US citizens. CAI is publicly available information that anyone can buy and often has a broker handling the transaction. However, this information still raises concerns about civil rights and privacy, suggesting the need for stronger policies and laws to protect personal data.

US citizens' data is being acquired by many government intelligence agencies

This is also the first time a government-level report has confirmed the increased reliance of US intelligence agencies on this type of information. This data includes details about connected vehicles, web browsing and smartphones, which can be purchased from a variety of sources. The report, released by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), highlights the risks associated with the unregulated sharing and sale of Americans’ personal information.

The document also cites several examples of “brokers” offering large amounts of data, such as Thomson Reuters CLEAR, LexisNexis, Exactis, and PeekYou. This data is often used in the advertising industry, but no one knows who the buyers are or what they are actually using it for.

The ODNI report highlights the potential privacy and civil liberties implications of the widespread sale of CAI data. Washington lacks privacy or data protection laws that would limit the sharing and purchase of information by US citizens, according to Phone Arena .

Senator Ron Wyden has called for the report to be declassified and expressed concerns about the government’s handling of personal data. He said current policies have failed to protect Americans’ privacy and lacked oversight over how government agencies buy and use personal data.

According to the report, CAI, when sold in large quantities, can be used to identify individuals. For example, location data collected from smartphones, smartwatches, or other devices can reveal where people live or work. Or the collected data can be used to determine whether a person has participated in a protest, a gathering, or any form of political group, thereby creating a basis for action against them. In addition, the report also reveals the possibility of information being misused for blackmail, surveillance, harassment, or public defamation.

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