# FTC Bans Kochava Location Data Sales

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has finalized a settlement with data broker Kochava and its subsidiary Collective Data Solutions (CDS) to prohibit the sale or sharing of sensitive location data linked to millions of mobile devices without explicit consumer consent. This enforcement action imposes stringent compliance and data management requirements on these companies to protect consumer privacy and prevent unauthorized data dissemination. The settlement reflects increased regulatory scrutiny on data brokers handling sensitive personal information, signaling heightened expectations for privacy safeguards in government and commercial procurement involving location data.

- Procurement professionals should note the FTC's emphasis on affirmative express consent and strict data handling controls as critical compliance factors for contracts involving location data services.
- Contractors providing data analytics, location intelligence, or mobile data services must evaluate their privacy policies and data management practices to align with FTC mandates.
- Agencies procuring location-based data solutions should incorporate explicit consent verification and compliance requirements into solicitations and contract terms.
- This action underscores the growing regulatory risks associated with handling sensitive consumer data, influencing vendor selection and risk management strategies in government procurement.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Information Technology
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** May 04, 2026

### Government Entities
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho

### Vendors
- Kochava (Data broker, defendant)
- Collective Data Solutions (CDS) (Subsidiary of Kochava, defendant)

### Sources
- [FTC to Ban Kochava and Subsidiary from Selling Sensitive Location Data to Settle Charges They Sold Location Data Linked to Millions of Mobile Devices | Federal Trade Commission](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2026/05/ftc-ban-kochava-subsidiary-selling-sensitive-location-data-settle-charges-they-sold-location-data) - FTC