FTC Sounds Privacy Alarm on Data Brokers, Asks Congress to Act
Ever heard of Acxiom or Corelogic? No? Chances are they’ve heard of you. According to a new 110-page report from the Federal Trade Commission, data brokers “collect and store a vast amount of data on almost every U.S. household and commercial transaction.”
These companies collect, analyze, trade and sell personal information, often without consumers’ knowledge. They even compare data with each other to better understand how individual consumers behave.
This is the backbone of the new information economy. The reason Google offers free email and phone operating systems is the same reason Microsoft is now giving away some versions of Office—your information and data is worth more to modern business than you probably realize. (Actually, there’s an app for that).
Beyond the typical privacy concerns, there are numerous risks to the public. As the FTC report points out, if a data broker identifies you as a motorcycle enthusiast, insurance companies could decide to raise your premiums. Or what if a fraud prevention algorithm decided you’re not you, turns off your credit card and won’t tell you why? And then there’s just the gross feeling that some company you’ve never heard of knows what form of birth control you prefer and your favorite condiments.
The FTC is asking Congress to pass laws giving consumers access to their data and the ability to opt out of monitoring.
And perhaps there’s hope. As The Verge reports, a Senate Commerce Committee released a report last year that came to similar conclusions.
—Posted by Peter Z. Scheer
Related Entries
- May 27, 2014 A Simple Fix for Our Execution Problem
- May 26, 2014 California Gold Rush: The Race for the Hottest Job in Congress
Source: http://www.truthdig.com/eartotheground/item/ftc_sounds_privacy_alarm_on_data_brokers_asks_congress_to_act_20140528/
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Please Help Support BeforeitsNews by trying our Natural Health Products below!
Order by Phone at 888-809-8385 or online at https://mitocopper.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomic.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomics.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Humic & Fulvic Trace Minerals Complex - Nature's most important supplement! Vivid Dreams again!
HNEX HydroNano EXtracellular Water - Improve immune system health and reduce inflammation.
Ultimate Clinical Potency Curcumin - Natural pain relief, reduce inflammation and so much more.
MitoCopper - Bioavailable Copper destroys pathogens and gives you more energy. (See Blood Video)
Oxy Powder - Natural Colon Cleanser! Cleans out toxic buildup with oxygen!
Nascent Iodine - Promotes detoxification, mental focus and thyroid health.
Smart Meter Cover - Reduces Smart Meter radiation by 96%! (See Video).