DOJ demands Apple, Google unmask 100k+ car-tuning app users
Original: U.S. DOJ demands Apple and Google unmask over 100k users of car-tinkering app
Why This Matters
Sets precedent for government access to app store data in enforcement actions
U.S. Department of Justice subpoenaed Apple, Google, Amazon, and Walmart for personal data on over 100,000 users of EZ Lynk's Auto Agent app in emissions crackdown case. DOJ claims app enables diesel vehicle emissions bypass.
The DOJ issued subpoenas in March-April 2026 requesting names, addresses, phone numbers, and purchase histories of users who downloaded EZ Lynk's Auto Agent app and bought related hardware. The government sued EZ Lynk in 2021, alleging the Cayman Islands company violated the Clean Air Act by selling 'defeat devices' that bypass diesel vehicle emissions controls. EZ Lynk denies allegations, stating products serve legitimate vehicle monitoring and diagnostics. Privacy advocates including EFF and EPIC criticize the broad data requests as overreach raising Fourth Amendment concerns. Apple and Google reportedly preparing to challenge subpoenas. Case survived EZ Lynk's Section 230 immunity attempt in 2025.