By Katie Block, Alliance Intern at Wellesley College ‘25
Did you know the federal government can buy your most private data — such as location history and period-tracking information — without a warrant? This loophole lets agencies bypass the Fourth Amendment by purchasing sensitive details from data brokers, putting communities of color, activists, and those seeking reproductive or gender-affirming care at risk of being tracked and targeted. Without action, this power could be abused under the Trump administration as soon as January.
The Biden administration can stop this by issuing a moratorium on data purchases while Congress considers the Fourth Amendment Is Not For Sale Act to close this loophole permanently. Join the Alliance by submitting a public comment through the ACLU’s petition to demand protections for our personal data.