Privacy Advocates Urge Maryland Investigation into Data Broker Practices

Why it matters locally: The practices of data brokers, as highlighted in this Maryland investigation, could set a precedent for how data privacy laws are enforced nationwide, potentially influencing future legislative efforts and consumer protections in New York.

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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.