A report from Citizen Lab has highlighted the use of an advertising-based geolocation surveillance system called Webloc by several law enforcement agencies, including those in Hungary, El Salvador, and various departments across the United States. Developed by Israeli company Cobwebs Technologies and now marketed by its successor Penlink, Webloc allows for extensive tracking of mobile devices through data obtained from digital advertising.
Overview of Webloc’s Functionality
Webloc provides access to a continuously updated stream of records from approximately 500 million mobile devices worldwide. This data includes device identifiers, location coordinates, and user profile information sourced from mobile applications and advertising networks. The system was officially introduced by Cobwebs Technologies in October 2020 as a location intelligence platform that integrates web data with geospatial information.
Law Enforcement Usage and Concerns
Among the U.S. agencies using Webloc are Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the U.S. military, and various police departments in cities such as Los Angeles, Dallas, and Baltimore. The tool enables law enforcement to monitor the movements and characteristics of populations, with capabilities to analyze data from up to three years in the past.
Reports indicate that Webloc can track devices without a warrant, raising significant privacy concerns. Citizen Lab noted that the system can automate the monitoring of mobile advertising IDs and geolocated IP addresses, which may lead to intrusive surveillance practices.
Company Background and Controversies
Cobwebs Technologies was previously involved in controversies, including being deplatformed by Meta for operating accounts that conducted reconnaissance and social engineering. Following its merger with Penlink in July 2023, the company has faced scrutiny regarding its surveillance practices. Penlink has responded to the Citizen Lab report by asserting that the findings may stem from misunderstandings about their operations and emphasized compliance with U.S. state privacy laws.
Implications for Privacy and Oversight
The findings from Citizen Lab underscore the potential for ad-based surveillance to be employed by military and law enforcement agencies without adequate oversight. The report raises questions about the ethical implications of using such technology and the need for regulatory frameworks to protect individual privacy rights.
This article was produced by NeonPulse.today using human and AI-assisted editorial processes, based on publicly available information. Content may be edited for clarity and style.
