The FBI is buying Americans’ location data

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 18: Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel testifies during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on worldwide threats in the Hart Senate Office Building on March 18, 2026 in Washington, DC. A closed session immediately followed the hearing. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images

FBI director Kash Patel admitted that the agency is buying location data that can be used to track people's movements. Unlike information obtained from cell phone providers, this data can be accessed without a warrant - and used to track anyone.

"We do purchase commercially available information that's consistent with the Constitution and the laws under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, and it has led to some valuable intelligence for us," Patel said at a hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Wednesday.

Patel would not commit to senators' requests that the agency stop buying Americans' location data. "Doing that wi …

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