Privacy Advocates Urge Maryland Investigation into Data Broker Practices

Why it matters locally: California, like Maryland, has enacted robust data privacy laws, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA). The outcomes of Maryland's investigation into data broker practices could inform future enforcement and legislative strategies concerning data privacy across state lines, potentially influencing how similar brokers operate within California and how California's own privacy laws are applied or expanded to address such concerns.

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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.