Privacy Advocates Urge Maryland Investigation into Data Broker Practices

Why it matters locally: Minnesota, like other states, may face similar challenges regarding data broker practices and their potential impact on resident privacy, especially given the ongoing national discussion around data privacy laws and their enforcement. While Minnesota does not currently have a comprehensive state-level data privacy law similar to Maryland's, federal policies impacting data brokers could have direct implications for residents here.

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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.