US EditionFollowing Markup Investigation, Congress Finds Data Brokers Cost Consumers Tens of Billions of Dollars – The Markup
A minority report estimates nearly $21 billion in identity-theft losses tied to four major data broker breaches exposing hundreds of millions of Americans, Congress says.
- On Friday, the committee's estimate shows $20.8 billion in consumer losses from data-broker breaches linked to identity theft from four major breaches.
- The Markup and CalMatters investigation found dozens of brokers used `no-index` code and dark patterns hiding opt-out pages, prompting Sen. Maggie Hassan to press five major brokers shortly after August.
- Findem declined to engage with staff and kept the `no index` tag, telling PCMag that 'The email from Senator Hassan's office in August did not reach our CEO due to email spam filtering and data retention settings.'
- The report urges clearer opt-outs and stronger oversight, citing California's recent launch of a free tool for residents to remove data from over 500 registered brokers, according to the Joint Economic Committee recommendations.
- Using its methodology, the report estimates nearly $21 billion in losses due to data broker breaches, while the US still lacks a law like the GDPR, complicating opt-out options.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Congress Finds 4 Data Breaches Cost Public $20 Billion, Fueling Calls for Action to 'Protect Americans From Scams'
Releasing a report that shows just four big data broker breaches have cost US consumers over $20 billion, Sen. Maggie Hassan calls for more action to protect Americans from scams.
Cal Matters
Following CalMatters investigation, Congress finds data brokers cost consumers tens of billions of dollars
Congress investigated theft of personal data in broker breaches Major brokers now promise to make it easier to opt out of their databases.
Following Markup investigation, Congress finds data brokers cost consumers tens of billions of dollars – The Markup
A congressional investigation estimates broker breaches have cost consumers $20 billion in identity theft. Major brokers now promise to make it easier to opt out of their databases. Sen. Maggie Hassan kicked off an investigation into data brokers in response to CalMatters reporting. Hassan speaks during a Senate Finance Committee on Capitol Hill, March 14, 2025. Ben Curtis, AP Photo Breaches at data brokers have cost American consumers more tha…
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