EFF is excited to be participating in DistrictCon for the first time! Join EFF Staff Technologist Lena Cohen at the Policy Roundtable for a discussion on, "How a Handful of Location Data Brokers Actively Track Millions, and How to Stop Them." 

About the Discussion:

Over the past few years, investigations have revealed how a handful of companies gather, store, and sell the location data of millions of devices—and by extension people—worldwide. These location data brokers often rely on technologies which power the online advertising industry. Their buyers include both law enforcement and private investigators who merely claim they work with law enforcement. To make matters worse, location data brokers have been subject to breaches which put the privacy of millions at risk. In this roundtable, we will explore the technologies, data flows, and industry players which comprise this complicated ecosystem. We'll cover some basic steps you can take to protect yourself from the wide array of location privacy harms your device subjects you to. Lastly, we'll outline and discuss the policy changes that are necessary to stop location data brokers and take back control of our devices.

About DistrictCon: 

DistrictCon is a DC hacker con, focusing on hacking together and exchanging ideas over typical talk tracks. We want to grow the community through action and engagement that focuses on the greater good, while also enlightening policymakers. Topics will range from classic hacking topics (binary exploitation and reverse engineering) to infosec policy and geopolitics.