Databroker Files: Targeting the EU

A major investigation reveals that the precise location data of millions of EU citizens, collected for advertising, is being sold and can potentially be used for espionage. This includes the movement patterns of top EU officials in Brussels, highlighting a critical failure of European data protection measures. The EU Commission has expressed concern over these findings, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. The investigation analyzed datasets containing approximately 278 million mobile phone location records in Belgium, exposing sensitive information about individuals' daily routines. The data reveals details about where people live and work, as well as their activities, including visits to potentially sensitive locations. Data brokers are offering this information as a sample, showcasing the extent of commercially available location data. This situation presents significant implications for the EU's digital sovereignty and the safety of its citizens. The availability of such detailed location data raises the risk of espionage, as was the case during the Cold War. It directly undermines the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which was intended to give individuals control over their personal data. The findings of the "Databroker Files" investigation underscore the urgent need for stronger enforcement of existing data protection laws and potentially new regulations. The EU must address the vulnerabilities exposed by this data trade to protect its citizens and ensure the effective implementation of its digital policies.