Privacy Advocates Urge Maryland Investigation into Data Broker Practices

Why it matters locally: While this story focuses on Maryland, the concerns raised about data broker practices and their potential violations of state privacy laws have relevance for Oregon, which is considering similar legislation to enhance data privacy protections for its residents.

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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.