Kash Patel Admits the FBI is Buying Private Data on Americans

FBI Director Kash Patel and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard were grilled in front of a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing in Washington D.C. on Wednesday where they faced questions on a number of topics, including the new war in Iran that has no end in sight. But it was Patel’s response to questions from Sen. Ron Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon, that are raising the most eyebrows in privacy and security circles. “In 2023, your predecessor testified that, and I quote, ‘to my knowledge, we do not currently purchase commercial database information that includes location data derived from internet advertising.’ Is that the case still? And if so, can you commit this morning to not buying Americans location data?” asked Wyden. Patel responded that “The FBI uses all tools, Senator, thank you for the question, to do our mission.” “We do purchase commercially available information that’s consistent with the Constitution and the laws under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act,” Patel continued. “And it has led to some valuable intelligence for us to be utilized with our private and partner sectors.” Wyden seemed to expect that answer, responding, “So you’re saying that