Privacy Advocates Urge Maryland Investigation into Data Broker Practices

Why it matters locally: While this news specifically addresses Maryland's stringent data privacy laws, similar concerns about data broker practices could arise in Florida, potentially impacting how personal information of its 22,610,726 residents is handled by law enforcement and federal agencies if such sales occur within the state.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Privacy advocacy organizations are urging Maryland officials to investigate data brokers operating within the state. These groups contend that certain data brokers are violating Maryland's data privacy law by selling personal information to law enforcement and federal immigration agencies. Maryland maintains one of the nation's most stringent data privacy laws. Advocates state that the alleged sales of data to police departments and federal immigration authorities by these brokers may contravene the provisions of this legislation.