A relatively obscure surveillance system known as Webloc has the capability to monitor hundreds of millions of individuals globally by utilizing data extracted from mobile applications and advertising frameworks.

An investigation has revealed that various government entities, including those in Hungary, the United States, and El Salvador, employ this technology for tasks related to intelligence and law enforcement.

This finding comes from a report produced by researchers from Citizen Lab in collaboration with investigative journalists from VSquare. Their analysis incorporated technical evaluations, procurement data, leaked documents, and 96 freedom-of-information requests to outline how Webloc functions, its infrastructure, and its international application.

Initially designed by the Israeli company Cobwebs Technologies, Webloc is a geolocation intelligence solution that is now marketed by the US surveillance firm PenLink, following a merger in 2023. Cobwebs, established in 2015 by former Israeli intelligence professionals, created instruments for collecting web and social media intelligence, whereas PenLink has long been recognized for providing lawful interception and data analytic tools to law enforcement in the United States.

Citizen Lab's research indicates that Webloc processes large volumes of data collected from mobile apps and real-time advertising networks, often referred to as real-time bidding (RTB) and software development kit (SDK)-based tracking systems. The data collected includes mobile advertising identifiers (MAIDs), location data derived from GPS and Wi-Fi, IP addresses, device specifications, and behavioral profiles detailing user preferences and activities. The system is said to handle billions of location signals each day from approximately 500 million devices, enabling users to monitor movements, develop profiles, and reconstruct location histories extending over a period of three years.

Research conducted by experts has uncovered confidential technical files revealing the capabilities of webloc.

This system allows for geofencing inquiries, which means it can detect all devices within a designated area or track movements between different locations.

Moreover, webloc has the ability to deduce sensitive personal information, like individuals’ residences and workplaces, by analyzing consistent location trends.

It can also connect various devices through common movement patterns, providing deeper insights into user behaviors.

Recent analyses by Citizen Lab have uncovered the widespread application of the Webloc surveillance system across various government entities.

Notable users in the United States include agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the military, the Texas Department of Public Safety, as well as several local law enforcement agencies in major cities like Los Angeles, Dallas, and Baltimore.

Interestingly, El Salvador's National Civil Police have been utilizing this technology since at least 2021.

In Europe, the report highlights Hungary as the first confirmed instance of mass surveillance based on ad data. Hungarian domestic intelligence agencies have reportedly implemented Webloc since 2022. Additionally, it has been revealed that Hungary’s National Security Special Service (NBSZ) renewed licenses for Webloc in March 2026, just ahead of the national elections.

This deployment in Hungary is particularly alarming given the European Union's rigorous data protection regulations under GDPR. The use of advertising data for surveillance purposes possibly contravenes the principle of purpose limitation, which governs the reuse of personal data.

Penlink has contested certain elements of the report, labeling them as incorrect and asserting that some referenced products are obsolete, although they did not offer specific corrections. The company insists that its products are intended for lawful applications, such as fighting crime and assisting in the search for missing individuals, while asserting compliance with relevant privacy regulations.

To minimize the risk of being tracked, users are advised to limit permissions for applications, disable or reset advertising identifiers, and control location access on their mobile devices. However, it is crucial to recognize that such actions provide only a partial solution to the complexity of data collection practices that are entrenched within the mobile app and advertising ecosystem.

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