33 States to FTC: Crack down on data abuse

Thirty-three state attorneys general want the Federal Trade Commission to do something about what they call the “alarming amount of sensitive consumer data” that’s being “amassed, manipulated, and monetized.” It’s something Americans feel largely powerless to address.

In a Nov. 17 letter, the AGs seek regulations to protect consumer data from further abuse, weighing in on an FTC request for comment on a problem most Americans believe is out of control. The letter coincides with an agreement by Google to pay a $390 million settlement with 40 states for tracking the locations of people despite their having opted out.

The AGs are particularly upset about data brokers. The mostly unregulated brokers scour social media profiles, browsing and purchase histories and credit card info. They wed this data to driver’s and marriage licenses, birth certificates, voter registration rolls or other government records. Nearly anyone can buy the packaged data. Beyond all the unwanted ads, this places people at risk of scams and identity theft.

The AGs are urging the FTC to require so-called data minimization. It would limit the consumer data that businesses can collect and retain.