Lawmakers recently queried nine major data brokers about practices involving consumers’ personal information

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Co-Chairmen of the Congressional Bi-Partisan Privacy Caucus, Congressmen Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Joe Barton, (R-Texas) today invited nine major data brokers, along with the Direct Marketing Association, to participate in a December 13 Caucus briefing. The purpose of the briefing is to inform Members and the public about the multi-billion dollar data broker industry. In July, a group of bipartisan lawmakers led by Reps. Markey and Barton asked the companies – Acxiom, Epsilon (Alliance Data Systems), Equifax, Experian, Harte-Hanks, Intelius, Fair Isaac, Merkle, and Meredith Corp. – to respond to questions about each company’s business practices and whether and how the company collects, assembles and sells consumer information to third parties. This briefing follows the companies’ responses to the lawmakers. Federal Trade Commission Chair Jon Leibowitz, Commissioner Julie Brill, and Executive Director of the Center for Digital Democracy Jeff Chester also have been invited to participate.

“We hope to have an open and educational discussion about how data brokers operate, the benefits and potential pitfalls of industry activities, and how the practices of the companies impact millions of Americans. We look forward to an informational and engaging discussion with the group,” said Reps. Markey and Barton.

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