Top 5 Data Brokers Selling Your Personal Information

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PRIVACY

8/19/20244 min read

The Top 5 Most Notorious Data Brokers Selling Your Personal Information

Your personal data is a valuable commodity. While many people focus on protecting their data from hackers and cybercriminals, few realize that their information is being legally bought and sold by companies known as data brokers. These firms collect, analyze, and sell your personal details—everything from your name and address to your shopping habits and medical history. The data industry is largely unregulated, and many consumers are unaware of the extent to which their privacy is compromised. Here are five of the most notorious data brokers that are selling your personal information.

1. Acxiom

Acxiom is one of the largest and most infamous data brokers in the world. This Arkansas-based company collects and analyzes data on over 2.5 billion consumers globally, offering detailed profiles that include demographic information, purchasing behavior, and even predictive analytics. Acxiom’s clients include major corporations, political campaigns, and even government agencies. Despite its reach, most people have never heard of Acxiom, which is a testament to how discreetly it operates. The company gathers data from various sources, including public records, surveys, and loyalty card programs, allowing it to build incredibly detailed profiles on individuals.

2. Experian

Experian is best known as one of the three major credit reporting agencies, but it is also a leading data broker. The company collects data from financial institutions, public records, and marketing databases to build consumer profiles that it sells to businesses. Experian’s reach extends far beyond credit reporting, offering targeted marketing solutions that are based on individuals’ purchasing habits, financial status, and even lifestyle choices. Experian has faced criticism for its role in several data breaches and for its practices that allow businesses to exploit consumers’ financial data.

3. LexisNexis Risk Solutions

LexisNexis Risk Solutions is another giant in the data brokerage world. Originally known for its legal research tools, the company has expanded into data analytics and risk management services. LexisNexis compiles data from public records, court documents, and even social media profiles to create detailed dossiers on individuals. These profiles are sold to businesses, insurers, law enforcement agencies, and even debt collectors. The company’s massive database includes sensitive information such as addresses, criminal records, and financial history. LexisNexis has faced legal challenges and criticism for its practices, especially regarding how its data is used by law enforcement.

4. CoreLogic

CoreLogic is a major player in the real estate data market, but its data collection activities go far beyond property records. The company tracks information on over 100 million households, offering insights into everything from home values and mortgage histories to property tax records. While this data is useful for real estate professionals and financial institutions, it also provides an extensive pool of personal information that can be sold to marketers, insurers, and other businesses. CoreLogic’s reach into public records and property data makes it a significant source of personal information that many people don’t realize is being tracked and sold.

5. Oracle Data Cloud (formerly BlueKai)

Oracle’s Data Cloud, which includes the infamous BlueKai platform, is a major force in the data brokerage industry. BlueKai, acquired by Oracle in 2014, collects vast amounts of online and offline consumer data, including web browsing activity, purchase history, and demographic information. This data is used to create highly targeted advertising profiles, which are sold to marketers looking to reach specific audiences. Oracle’s Data Cloud operates on a global scale, tracking billions of consumers across the internet. In 2020, BlueKai was exposed for a significant data breach, revealing just how much sensitive information the platform had collected on unsuspecting individuals.

Here are some reputable privacy extensions for different browsers

1. uBlock Origin

uBlock Origin is a powerful and highly efficient content blocker. It prevents ads, trackers, and malicious websites from loading, reducing data collection by third parties. Unlike traditional ad blockers, uBlock Origin is lightweight and customizable, allowing you to create your own filters and blocklists. It’s open-source and highly regarded for its reliability in maintaining privacy.

Available on: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari

2. Privacy Badger

Developed by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), Privacy Badger automatically learns and blocks trackers that follow you across the web. It analyzes each website you visit and blocks third-party trackers without requiring any user configuration. Privacy Badger is an excellent extension for those who want effective privacy protection without constant tweaking.

Available on: Chrome, Firefox, Edge

3. HTTPS Everywhere

Another extension from the EFF, HTTPS Everywhere automatically redirects websites from insecure HTTP connections to secure HTTPS versions. This prevents potential eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks. While many websites have adopted HTTPS by default, this extension ensures that you’re always connected securely when an HTTPS option is available.

Available on: Chrome, Firefox, Edge

4. DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials

This extension, developed by the privacy-focused search engine DuckDuckGo, blocks hidden trackers, forces encryption, and provides a privacy grade for every website you visit. DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials is user-friendly, making it ideal for those who want a simple but effective privacy tool that works right out of the box.

Available on: Chrome, Firefox, Edge

5. Ghostery

Ghostery is a popular extension that blocks trackers, speeds up page loads, and provides detailed information about the trackers and scripts present on each site. It also offers a customizable blocking experience, allowing you to decide which trackers to block or allow. Ghostery’s intuitive interface and performance-enhancing features make it a top choice for privacy-conscious users.

Available on: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera

Conclusion: How to Protect Yourself from Data Brokers

These data brokers operate largely out of sight, gathering and selling your personal information without your direct consent. The level of detail in the profiles they create is staggering, and these profiles can be used to target you for everything from marketing to credit offers. Protecting yourself from data brokers is challenging, but there are steps you can take:

Limit Your Online Footprint: Be cautious about sharing personal information on social media and with websites. The less data you share, the less brokers can collect.
Opt-Out Programs: Many data brokers offer opt-out options, although they are often difficult to find. Websites like OptOutPrescreen.com or StopDataMining.me provide opt-out tools for various data brokers.
Use Privacy-Focused Tools: Consider using tools like VPNs, ad blockers, and browser extensions that limit data tracking and third-party cookies.
Monitor Your Credit Reports: Regularly checking your credit reports can help you catch any unusual activity or accounts that might have been opened using your data.

While it’s nearly impossible to fully escape the reach of these data brokers, being aware of their tactics and taking proactive steps can help you regain some control over your personal information.