U.S. lawmakers considering new privacy laws “scolded” Apple and Google Tuesday for not doing enough to guard mobile device users’ location data, despite executives’ assertions that they don’t abuse the information, reports “Reuters” (http://macte.ch/m9bOS).
“I have serious doubts about whether those rights are being respected in law or in practice,” Democratic Senator Al Franken said at a hearing of a new subcommittee on privacy, technology and the law.
Senators accused the tech industry of exploiting location data for marketing purposes without getting proper consent from millions of Americans, notes “Reuters.” However, lawmakers said they would be cautious about drafting privacy rules that could stifle innovation in the space. Mobile device users’ personal information helps companies tailor coupons, advertisements and weather information, among many other things.