ATF cancels controversial commercial geolocation contract

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) canceled a contract with Penlink for ad-tech-based geolocation data after a congressional inquiry revealed over 340 searches using the tool. The pilot project, which provided location data through ad-surveillance technologies, was deemed ineffective. Sen. Ron Wyden praised the cancellation but urged Congress to pass legislation to regulate such practices.