FCC: Wireless Carriers Violated Federal Law By Selling Location Data

The FCC found that carriers violated federal law by improperly disclosing consumer location data. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai announced these findings to lawmakers but did not name the carriers or specify the laws broken. Reports from 2018 indicated that major carriers like AT&T and Verizon sold location data to third-party aggregators. The FCC's investigation faced criticism for its delay. Pai plans to propose notices of apparent liability for forfeiture.

What was the main issue with the carriers' actions according to the FCC?

• They overcharged customers.

• They disclosed real-time location data improperly.

• They provided poor network coverage.

• They failed to upgrade their technology.

Who announced the findings of the FCC's investigation?

• The President of the United States

• The CEO of AT&T

• A spokesperson from Verizon

• FCC Chairman Ajit Pai

Which major carriers were reported to have sold location data to third-party aggregators in 2018?

• Sprint and T-Mobile

• AT&T and Verizon

• Comcast and Charter

• Google and Apple

What was the criticism faced by the FCC regarding their investigation?

• They did not involve enough experts.

• They were too lenient with the carriers.

• They took too long to conclude and act.

• They did not inform the public.

What action did Ajit Pai propose in response to the findings?

• Increasing data prices

• Issuing fines to consumers

• Proposing notices of apparent liability for forfeiture

• Shutting down the carriers