Lawmakers Urge FTC to Probe Apple and Google Over Ad Tracking Risks
A group of US lawmakers asks the FTC to investigate Apple and Google regarding their initial consumer disclosures about advertising tracking identifiers. The request highlights concerns that these loosely regulated data practices pose unique dangers to individuals seeking abortions.
A group of US lawmakers urges the Federal Trade Commission to investigate Apple and Google over their initial consumer disclosures regarding advertising tracking. The lawmakers warn that the loosely regulated data industry creates unique harms for people seeking abortions, as sensitive information could potentially be exposed through targeted advertising networks.
The letter to FTC Chair Lina Khan explains that the mobile operating systems from both tech giants use unique tracking identifiers. These identifiers allow marketers to connect a specific device to outside information about a user, enabling highly targeted advertising even when the underlying data remains technically anonymous.
Although Apple and Google currently allow users to opt out of this tracking and Apple no longer enables it by default, the lawmakers want the FTC to determine if the companies adequately disclosed the potential risks to consumers when these identifiers were first activated. Apple and Google do not immediately respond to the lawmakers' requests for comment.