Question
What is a data broker?
By SourceX Editorial · Updated
Short answer
A company that collects personal information about consumers from various sources and sells or shares it. Some states require data brokers to register. Licensing your own de-identified business records is a different activity.
Part of: How licensing works
Explanation#
Brokers usually lack a direct relationship with the people in their data.
Regulators have scrutinized broker practices.
Rights and privacy#
- Confirm customer, vendor and employee agreements allow the use
- Remove or de-identify personal details before anything leaves the company
- Approve the final dataset and permitted uses in writing
How licensing works#
A business describes its data, buyer demand is assessed, scope and permitted use are proposed, the data is prepared and de-identified, an agreement is signed, and the approved dataset is delivered. See data licensing for detail.
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Sources
General information, not legal advice. Editorial policy.
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