Privacy Advocates Urge Maryland Investigation into Data Broker Practices

Why it matters locally: While Maryland's data privacy law is state-specific, the broader discussion around data broker practices and law enforcement access to personal data could influence future federal legislation or spark similar advocacy efforts regarding data privacy in South Dakota.

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.