Congressional Oversight & Policy — 2026-03-20
FBI and DIA Confirm Warrantless Purchase of Americans' Location Data from Data Brokers
FBI Director Patel confirmed at the SSCI hearing that the FBI has resumed purchasing Americans' location data from commercial data brokers—the first such confirmation since 2023. DIA Director Adams acknowledged similar purchases. Patel told Senator Wyden the practice is 'consistent with the Constitution' under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act. The disclosure adds urgency to the
Analysis
Today's INTSUM covered the SAFE Act as an alternative to clean 702 extension. Patel's data broker confirmation provides the strongest factual basis yet for the warrant requirement provisions in both the SAFE Act and the GSRA, directly linking ongoing IC practices to the legislative debate.
Today's INTSUM covered the SAFE Act as an alternative to clean 702 extension. Patel's data broker confirmation provides the strongest factual basis yet for the warrant requirement provisions in both the SAFE Act and the GSRA, directly linking ongoing IC practices to the legislative debate.