Kash Patel admits under oath FBI is buying location data on Americans
During a Senate intelligence committee hearing on worldwide threats, FBI Director Kash Patel admitted under oath that the Federal Bureau of Investigation has begun purchasing location data on Americans. This statement came in response to a question from Senator Ron Wyden, who highlighted a previous testimony by Christopher Wray indicating that the FBI did not currently buy such data from internet advertising, although it had in the past.
WPN Brief
- What Happened
During a Senate intelligence committee hearing on worldwide threats, FBI Director Kash Patel admitted under oath that the Federal Bureau of Investigation has begun purchasing location data on Americans. This statement came in response to a question from Senator Ron Wyden, who highlighted a previous testimony by Christopher Wray indicating that the FBI did not currently buy such data from internet advertising, although it had in the past.
- Why It Matters
This admission raises significant concerns regarding privacy and surveillance practices in the United States, as it suggests a shift in the FBI's approach to gathering information on citizens without traditional warrants, potentially undermining public trust in federal oversight and accountability.