'FYI. A Warrant Isn’t Needed': Secret Service Says You Agreed To Be Tracked With Location Data

Having location information in apps on your phone is very helpful. I use it regularly, but I also make sure to only give as much information as is truly needed. Hide exact information, and only allow it while the app is running. I allow very few applications to access location in the background.

And those apps along with their unreadable terms of service?

One reason was that Babel Street’s data is “opt in” only. “Users have to affirmatively agree for its collection and dissemination. It’s not passively collected without user knowledge,” the email read. “FYI. A warrant isn’t needed because the user gives consent. It happens when you agree to the terms of service,” another email reads.

This falls in the category of why we need privacy legislation. It is absurd to me that some app given the right to track your location can then be fed directly to law enforcement or government entities. Regardless of what that terms of service said.