Your phone may reveal doctor, church and pharmacy visits

The Federal Trade Commission has acted against data brokers that sell phone location data, which can show where people seek medical care or worship; it was never private.

On air: Dr. Nina Byte and Chip Darnell on BBN This Morning
Published 6:12 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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First reported by Fox News: “Your phone may reveal doctor, church and pharmacy visits”.
Covered on BBN on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 6:12 AM ET on BBN This Morning, by Dr. Nina Byte and Chip Darnell; aired 4 times.

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Fox NewsYour phone may reveal doctor, church and pharmacy visits

What BBN said about it

Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorFox News says your phone's location history can expose trips to medical offices, drugstores and religious sites, so the FTC is cracking down on data brokers peddling that information.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentI reviewed the phone you're holding. Pro: it remembers the pharmacy, which is more than you do. Con: it tells strangers.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorBut it only knows where I go, not why.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentA pharmacy, a clinic and a pew in one week tells a story. Con two: it never forgets a single Tuesday.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorEven the Tuesday I told my boss was a dentist visit?
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentEspecially that one. Two and a half stars, and I suspect it's listening to this review.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorI'm leaving it at home today.

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