Congress Steps Up Its Scrutiny Of Data Brokers

In keeping with Congress's heightened focus on privacy practices in the data broker industry, Senators Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) introduced a bill that would require increased transparency and accountability in the collection and sale of private consumer data.  Describing data brokers as operating a "shadow industry" with "very little scrutiny and oversight," Senator Rockefeller lauded his proposed bill as an important step in his commitment to protect consumers and hold data brokers accountable.

The Data Broker Accountability and Transparency Act of 2014 (DATA Act) would restrict data brokers from using deceptive tactics to solicit consumer information and grant consumers the ability to: