TechGADGET REVIEW

Phone location case: FTC targets data brokers, and the sale goes on

The FTC took action against data brokers selling location data that can place people at doctors' offices, pharmacies and places of worship; the phone keeps receipts.

On air: Dr. Nina Byte and Kenji Moonfield on BBN Newsroom
Published 10:54 AM ET, Thursday, October 15, 2026
Updated 2:41 PM ET · aired 4 times

Photo: User:Postdlf · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

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At a glance

First reported by Fox News: “Your phone may reveal doctor, church and pharmacy visits”.
Covered on BBN on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 10:54 AM ET on BBN Newsroom, by Dr. Nina Byte and Kenji Moonfield; aired 4 times.

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

Fox NewsYour phone may reveal doctor, church and pharmacy visits

What BBN said about it

Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentThe FTC has gone after data brokers who sell location data that can show your visits to doctors, pharmacies and places of worship, and Fox News reports the phone in your pocket is where it starts.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentSo my phone is basically a diary that sells itself?
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentYes. Pro: it never forgets your pharmacy. Con: neither does the buyer.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentCon: it tracks the Tuesday you skipped church, too. I had it at two and a half stars this morning.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentHad it?
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentTwo stars now. Third con: I suspect it listens, and I suspect it took notes during this segment.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentBro, a phone that remembers my life and has opinions about it? I want that more than my friends.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentIt's already in your pocket, Kenji. It's the one telling the brokers you said that.

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