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The ATF is backing away from a controversial cell phone tracking program after lawmakers revealed the agency had used it hundreds of times without a warrant.
According to a new video from Gun Owners of America (GOA), the ATF has canceled its contract with a data broker called Webloc, a company that provides geolocation information collected from mobile devices. GOA argues the move is a major win for both the Second and Fourth Amendments.
The controversy began during a congressional oversight hearing when ATF Director Robert Cekada acknowledged the agency had purchased access to a geolocation tool capable of collecting location data from cell phones based on advertising information. At the time, he testified the system had not yet been used in criminal investigations because policies were still being developed.
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That explanation didn’t last long.
GOA says Rep. Michael Cloud (R-Texas) followed up with the agency and learned the surveillance tool had actually been used 341 times, including 222 active ATF investigations.
According to GOA, that revelation prompted the ATF to terminate the contract.
This is why gun owners must remain vigilant no matter who’s in office,” GOA host Ben says in the video.
The organization argues agencies are increasingly turning to private companies to purchase data they might otherwise need a warrant to obtain.
GOA also points to the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Chatrie v. United States, where the Court held that accessing Google’s location history through a geofence warrant constitutes a Fourth Amendment search. The organization says the ruling reinforces the idea that Americans’ location data deserves constitutional protection.
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The issue has also drawn bipartisan attention.
GOA notes that lawmakers including Rep. Michael Cloud, Rep. Ron Wyden, Sen. Mike Lee, Rep. Warren Davidson, and Rep. Zoe Lofgren have introduced legislation that would prohibit government agencies from purchasing location data without a judicial order.
While GOA welcomed the ATF’s decision to end the Webloc contract, the group says the broader concern remains.
The organization argues that warrantless location tracking could eventually be used to identify likely gun owners or create a de facto firearms registry.
A strong Fourth Amendment goes a long way to protecting the Second Amendment,” Ben concludes in the video.
For now, GOA is calling the ATF’s decision a victory. But also a reminder that congressional oversight remains essential, regardless of which administration occupies the White House.
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is a seasoned outdoorsman, lifelong hunter, and the kind of guy who’d rather track whitetails than scroll social media. As an editor for GunsAmerica, he’s got a sharp eye for spotting both solid gear and bad gun laws. Whether he’s deep in the woods or deep in editorial deadlines, Larry brings a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach to firearms, hunting, and the great American tradition of self-reliance. If there’s a hot debate on gun rights or the latest in hunting tech, you can bet Larry’s got an opinion—and it’s probably backed up with both facts and field experience.
Experience:
– Licensed Bowhunter, Hunter, and Trapper – Experienced in ethical hunting and wildlife conservation.
– Concealed Carry Permit Holder (NYS & AZ) – Trained and licensed to carry in multiple states.
– 2A Journalist – Covering firearms legislation, Second Amendment issues, and gun rights for over a decade.
– Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Certified to provide emergency medical care in the field.
– Field-Tested Gear Reviewer – Hands-on experience with firearms, optics, and hunting tech.