Gravy Analytics Data Breach Exposes Unwitting Location Tracking via Popular Apps

In early January 2025, a significant data breach at Gravy Analytics, a prominent location data broker, unveiled the covert collection of user location information through numerous popular mobile applications. This revelation has intensified concerns about user privacy and the opaque operations of data brokers.

The Breach and Its Implications

Hackers infiltrated Gravy Analytics' systems, leaking approximately 1.4 gigabytes of data. This dataset included tens of millions of mobile phone coordinates from devices across the United States, Russia, and Europe, along with the names of thousands of mobile applications. Notably, the affected apps span various categories, including games like Candy Crush, dating platforms such as Tinder and Grindr, fitness trackers like MyFitnessPal, and religious apps like Muslim Pro.

Alarmingly, this data collection occurred without the explicit consent or knowledge of app developers and users. Instead of embedding specific code within the apps, Gravy Analytics exploited the real-time bidding (RTB) process in online advertising. During RTB, advertisers bid to display ads to users, inadvertently transmitting user data, including precise location information. Data brokers can intercept this data stream, enabling them to monitor user locations surreptitiously.

Privacy Concerns and Regulatory Scrutiny

The unauthorized collection and sale of sensitive location data pose significant privacy risks. Users' visits to healthcare facilities, places of worship, and participation in political activities can be tracked, potentially leading to discrimination, surveillance, and other harms. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has previously taken action against such practices. In December 2024, the FTC prohibited Gravy Analytics and its subsidiary, Venntel, from selling, disclosing, or using sensitive location data, mandating the deletion of previously collected data and the establishment of a sensitive data location program.

Industry Response and User Awareness

Many app developers and companies implicated in the data collection have denied any association with Gravy Analytics. For instance, Muslim Pro stated they were unaware of Gravy Analytics and did not authorize ad networks to collect user location data. Similarly, Grindr asserted that they have not shared geolocation data with ad partners for many years and do not work with data aggregators or brokers.

This incident underscores the complexities of the digital advertising ecosystem, where user data can be harvested without direct consent. It highlights the need for increased transparency and stricter regulations to protect user privacy. Users are advised to review app permissions, utilize privacy-focused tools, and stay informed about how their data is collected and used.

Conclusion

The Gravy Analytics data breach serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in the digital landscape. As data brokers continue to find innovative ways to collect and monetize user information, it is imperative for regulatory bodies, app developers, and users to collaborate in safeguarding personal data and upholding privacy rights.

Sources

• Candy Crush, Tinder, MyFitnessPal: See the Thousands of Apps Hijacked to Spy on Your Location
• FTC Takes Action Against Gravy Analytics, Venntel for Unlawfully Selling Location Data Tracking Consumers to Sensitive Sites
• Two data brokers banned from selling 'sensitive' location data by the FTC
• FTC settles with data brokers that sold political, pregnancy info
• FTC Says Data Brokers Unlawfully Tracked Protesters and US Military Personnel