Provision record
Starbucks · Starbucks Privacy Policy · View original document ↗

Bluetooth Device Presence Detection Near Retail Locations

Medium severity High confidence Explicit document language Unique · 0 of 352 platforms
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Document Record

What it is

The notice discloses that Starbucks may use location-based technology to detect the presence of a user's device via Bluetooth when the user is in or near a Starbucks retail location, subject to device settings permitting this.

This analysis describes what Starbucks's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology

ConductAtlas Analysis

Why it matters (compliance & governance perspective)

This provision establishes a passive device detection mechanism that operates in physical retail environments without requiring active in-app engagement, conditioning collection on Bluetooth being enabled and device settings permitting communication rather than on explicit in-session consent.

Clause Stability Stable

0
Changes
3
Months Monitored
Jul 9, 2026
First Seen
Jul 9, 2026
Last Seen

Consumer impact (what this means for users)

Under this clause, Starbucks may collect device presence data near retail locations through Bluetooth when device settings allow it. You can manage this by disabling Bluetooth on your device or adjusting location service permissions in your device settings.

What you can do

⚠️ These actions may provide transparency or partial mitigation but may not fully address the underlying issue. Effectiveness varies by jurisdiction and individual circumstances.
  • Opt Out of Arbitration
    Open your device settings, navigate to Bluetooth or Location Services, and disable Bluetooth or restrict location permissions for the Starbucks App to prevent Bluetooth-based device presence detection.

Cross-platform context

See how other platforms handle Bluetooth Device Presence Detection Near Retail Locations and similar clauses.

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▸ View Original Clause Language DOCUMENT RECORD
"
We may also use location-based technology when you are in or around our retail locations to collect information about the presence of your device, if your Bluetooth is turned on and your device settings allow for this.

Excerpt from Starbucks's Privacy Policy

ConductAtlas Analysis

Institutional analysis (regulatory & governance intelligence)

1.

Insight

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Enforcement risk, jurisdiction flags, contract triggers, and due diligence action items.

Applicable agencies

  • Federal Trade Commission (ftc)
    Oversees unfair or deceptive business practices and can investigate companies that mislead consumers about data collection, sharing, or use.
    Who can file: Anyone affected by the company's practices (US or international)
    What you need: Your account details, a timeline of relevant events, and a description of the specific issue
    What to expect: Complaints inform FTC enforcement priorities and investigations but do not result in individual resolution or compensation
    File a complaint →

Provision details

Document information
Document
Starbucks Privacy Policy
Entity
Starbucks
Document last updated
May 5, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
May 7, 2026
Last verified
July 9, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-016040
Document ID
CA-D-00625
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
Content hash (SHA-256)
d5e55caca30087576ff29e8885b4a497cdbdb144634f613e23bb0595052cacad
Analysis generated
May 7, 2026 05:55 UTC
Methodology
Evidence
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Hash verified
Citation Record
Entity: Starbucks
Document: Starbucks Privacy Policy
Record ID: CA-P-016040
Captured: 2026-05-07 05:55:31 UTC
SHA-256: d5e55caca3008757…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/starbucks/starbucks-privacy-policy/provision/CA-P-016040/bluetooth-device-presence-detection-near-retail-locations/
Accessed: Aug. 11, 2026
Permanent archival reference. Stable identifier suitable for legal filings, compliance documentation, and research citation.
Classification
Severity
Medium
Categories

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Starbucks's Bluetooth Device Presence Detection Near Retail Locations clause do?

This provision establishes a passive device detection mechanism that operates in physical retail environments without requiring active in-app engagement, conditioning collection on Bluetooth being enabled and device settings permitting communication rather than on explicit in-session consent.

How does this clause affect you?

Under this clause, Starbucks may collect device presence data near retail locations through Bluetooth when device settings allow it. You can manage this by disabling Bluetooth on your device or adjusting location service permissions in your device settings.

Is ConductAtlas affiliated with Starbucks?

No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Starbucks.