FBI Director Confirms Agency Purchases Americans' Location Data Under Oath
Here's what it means for you.
Your data privacy is under scrutiny as government agencies explore new avenues for intelligence gathering.
What happened
On March 18, 2026, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed under oath that the FBI purchases commercially available location data on Americans.
The Context
- Legal Compliance: Patel stated that these purchases comply with constitutional standards and the Electronic Communications Privacy Act.
- Previous Denial: This admission contradicts former FBI Director Christopher Wray's 2023 claim that the agency had ceased such purchases.
- Legislative Response: Senator Ron Wyden criticized the practice and is advocating for reforms to close data broker loopholes.
The Number
The rise in FBI queries of U.S. persons' data under FISA Section 702 in 2025, highlighting increasing surveillance activities.
Takeaway
Expect ongoing discussions and potential reforms surrounding data privacy and government surveillance practices.
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