It seems like data collection and online browsing go hand in hand these days, but it doesn’t have to be this way. The more you know about how your data ends up in the hands of companies, social media sites, and other entities, the easier it becomes to protect your privacy and secure your digital footprint. Learn more with this guide to everything you need to know about data brokers and the role they play in data collection.
What Are Data Brokers?
Data brokers collect personal information from internet users and sell it to companies who use that data for marketing, fraud detection, and more. Data brokers can be companies that collect information from commercial resources like credit card companies, retailers, or social media platforms. They can also be individuals piecing together data from public records, internet history, and other freely accessible sources. Any website where you’ve opted in to data sharing—even unknowingly through accepting terms of service or cookie settings—is a potential resource for data brokers.
Uses for Your Data
The main objective of data brokers is to collect data from multiple sources to piece together a detailed profile for each user. They can then sell this profile to any company that wants to use it.
You see this commonly with marketing. Have you ever come across an online advertisement that is eerily tailored to you? It’s likely the result of that company using your data—such as what products you buy and when you last bought them—to send you targeted ads. Some companies also purchase information from data brokers to improve fraud detection. This happens with banks or other lenders who purchase data to cross-reference with your loan application.
While data brokers aren’t inherently nefarious, this type of data collection and sharing raises numerous ethical concerns. It can also lead to major security breaches that put millions of individuals at risk. By learning more about data brokers, you can be more aware of who has access to what data and better protect yourself from these kinds of threats.
Ensuring Data Privacy
Finding ways to avoid data brokers and other companies that collect and share your information is one of the biggest upcoming trends in data privacy. By paying closer attention to your data settings and utilizing data control measures, you can keep your online footprint private and prevent security breaches from brokers.
Switching to secure browsers, search engines, and other platforms can block data sharing and safeguard your information. You can also optimize your data settings by deleting accounts you don’t need anymore, removing yourself from or opting out of marketing lists, and monitoring information you share online—even in friendly or private groups. By following best practices every time you’re online, you can protect yourself and create a safer, more enjoyable online experience.
