The Serious National Security Threat Posed by Data Brokers
The Invasive Trade of Personal Data
Recently, it was revealed that data brokers are selling personally identifiable information about active-duty military personnel, their families, and veterans for as little as $0.12 per person. This unregulated industry poses not only a privacy concern but also a significant national security threat.
The Accessibility of Sensitive Information
Researchers at Duke University discovered that data brokers were readily selling highly sensitive information to unidentified individuals from other countries without proper vetting. This exposes the data to potential foreign and malicious actors, undermining national security.
The Extent of Data Brokerage
Data brokers have created a multi-billion dollar industry that collects and sells data on almost every American, including military personnel and their families. Shockingly, the researchers found it alarmingly easy to access private information that is not publicly available.
Sweeping Records for Sale
Duke researchers were able to purchase comprehensive records on tens of thousands of military service members from 12 different data brokers. The cost ranged from $0.12 to $0.32 per person. The purchased data included a myriad of personal details like names, addresses, emails, political affiliations, genders, ages, religions, incomes, credit ratings, occupations, health information, and more.
Foreign Buyers and National Security
The researchers conducted an experiment by posing as foreign buyers using a Singaporean IP address and a .asia domain name. Shockingly, the data brokers did not show any concern or take actions to verify the buyers’ identities or intentions. This allows foreign actors to potentially target military personnel, veterans, and their families for various purposes, including blackmail and information campaigns.
A Legal and Systemic Issue
Data brokerage operates in a murky realm with a lack of regulation. While some states require data brokers to register, there are hardly any federal laws protecting privacy. Congressional legislation and funding regulators, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), are crucial to addressing this systemic problem.
The Impact on Individuals
Data brokers impact people’s lives in hiring decisions, housing, insurance, and law enforcement. Contrary to common misconceptions, data brokers have access to detailed information about individuals’ lives, such as geolocation data, which can reveal patterns of behavior.
The Risk to Personal and Professional Lives
One dangerous consequence of data brokers’ actions is the use of this information in various contexts. For example, if an HR department receives false information about a job applicant’s mental health from a data broker, it could harm their chances of securing employment.
Source: Data Brokers Sell Secrets About Military Personnel for Pennies
