Curbing Location Tracking

Firewalls Don't Stop Dragons Podcast

Our location is being tracked mercilessly today, in several ways. In the digital age, location data is among the most sensitive information we share, providing a record of our daily lives that can reveal where we live, who we associate with, and our personal routines. For app developers, marketers, and even law enforcement, this data is a goldmine for the ‘app economy’. Today I’ll talk about the most common sources of location data and give you some tips for limiting the tracking.

In other news: the FTC files rule that requires canceling be just as easy as subscribing; CFPB takes action against worker surveillance; macOS Sequoia’s tightened app security may be annoying to some; it’s now legal to hack McFlurry machines to fix them; the EU makes vendors liable for software bugs; city sues Flock saying license plate readers are Unconstitutional; tracking world leaders with a fitness app; smartphone location tracking is out of control.

Article Links

1. [theverge.com] The FTC is finally making it easier to cancel your gym membership https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/16/24271649/ftc-click-to-cancel-subscriptions-final-rule
2. [consumerfinance.gov] CFPB Takes Action to Curb Unchecked Worker Surveillance https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-takes-action-to-curb-unchecked-worker-surveillance/
3. [appleinsider.com] What’s changed in runtime protection for macOS Sequoia https://appleinsider.com/inside/macos-sequoia/tips/whats-changed-in-runtime-protection-for-macos-sequoia
4. [404media.co] It Is Now Legal to Hack McFlurry Machines (and Medical Devices) to Fix Them https://www.404media.co/it-is-now-legal-to-hack-mcflurry-machines-and-medical-devices-to-fix-them/
5. [Risky Business] The EU will make vendors liable for bugs https://news.risky.biz/risky-biz-news-the-eu-will-make-vendors-liable-for-bugs/
6. [404media.co] Lawsuit Argues Warrantless Use of Flock Surveillance Cameras Is Unconstitutional https://www.404media.co/lawsuit-argues-warrantless-use-of-flock-surveillance-cameras-is-unconstitutional/
7. [schneier.com] Tracking World Leaders Using Strava https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2024/10/tracking-world-leaders-using-strava.html
8. [arstechnica.com] Location tracking of phones is out of control. Here’s how to fight back. https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2024/10/phone-tracking-tool-lets-government-agencies-follow-your-every-move/
9. Tip of the Week: https://firewallsdontstopdragons.com/how-to-curb-location-tracking/

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Table of Contents

Use these timestamps to jump to a particular section of the show.

• 0:03:06: News preview
• 0:04:41: FTC is finally making it easier to cancel your gym membership
• 0:07:19: CFPB Takes Action to Curb Unchecked Worker Surveillance
• 0:14:23: What’s changed in runtime protection for macOS Sequoia
• 0:21:57: It Is Now Legal to Hack McFlurry Machines (and Medical Devices) to Fix Them
• 0:28:15: The EU will make vendors liable for bugs
• 0:33:00: Lawsuit Argues Warrantless Use of Flock Surveillance Cameras Is Unconstitutional
• 0:41:09: Tracking World Leaders Using Strava
• 0:42:38: Location tracking of phones is out of control. Here’s how to fight back.
• 0:49:56: Tip of the Week: Curbing Location Tracking
• 1:00:57: Looking ahead