New York senator calls for federal investigation into ‘spying’ billboards

Charles Schumer is calling for a federal investigation into the advertising company's latest effort to target billboard ads to specific consumers with its so-called RADAR program which he calls "spying billboards”. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

NEW York senator Chuck Schumer wants people in his city to know that they’re being watched — by “creepy” billboards.
The Democrat and cousin of comedian Amy Schumer has called for a federal investigation into the use of “spying billboards,” which he says use mobile phone location technology to track every move of unsuspecting consumers.
“New spying billboards are being installed across the country, including right here in New York City, and they are being used to collect your mobile phone data,” the senator said.
Speaking from Times Square — surrounded by the all seeing adverts — Mr Schumer said the billboard companies can then sell that information to marketing firms and companies.
“Your personal cell phone should not become a James Bond-like gadget that is used against you by some company,” he complained.
The legion of spying billboards were unleashed across the country in late February, the senator said, though the number of companies relying on the technology was not clear.