DHS admits it bought location data on millions of Americans — here’s how it could cost you more at the doctor.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has confirmed it purchased and used commercially available location data from millions of American phones, according to newly released government records. Consumer watchdogs say this practice could quietly drive up your health insurance premiums, as the data is shared with third parties—including private health plans—that can track visits to clinics, therapy offices, or hospitals. If you’ve ever been near a medical facility for any reason, that information might now be used to flag you for higher risk assessment, potentially raising your monthly costs. Experts are urging Congress to require a warrant for any DHS location-data purchase, warning that without a legal firewall, your wallet and privacy are both at risk.