How does my information get on the internet?

How Your Personal Information Lands on the Internet

In today’s digital age, our personal data is more readily accessible than ever before. However, many of us are unaware of how our information ends up online and the implications it can have.

The Data Broker Network

Personal data is often collected and aggregated by data brokers, companies that specialize in compiling information about individuals. These brokers gather data from a variety of sources, including:

• Public records: Data brokers can access information from government records, such as property ownership, marriage licenses, and court documents.
• Social media: Social media platforms collect extensive data about their users, including demographics, interests, and online activities. Data brokers can purchase this data from these companies.
• Websites: Data brokers can track your browsing history and online activities on various websites. They can also collect information such as your email address and IP address.
• Smartphone apps: Many smartphone apps collect location data, usage data, and other sensitive information. Data brokers can acquire this data from app developers.

Creating Detailed Profiles

Data brokers combine the data they collect from these various sources to create detailed profiles of individuals. These profiles may include:

• Demographic information (age, gender, income, education)
• Contact information (address, phone number, email)
• Interests and preferences
• Browsing history and online activity
• Social media connections

Implications of Data Broker Activity

The proliferation of data brokers has raised concerns about privacy and data security. Detailed profiles of individuals can be used for a variety of purposes, including:

• Targeted advertising: Advertisers can use data broker profiles to target their campaigns based on specific demographics and interests.
• Credit scoring: Lenders may use data broker profiles to assess your creditworthiness.
• Insurance underwriting: Insurance companies may use data broker profiles to determine your premiums.
• Employment screening: Potential employers may use data broker profiles to check your background and online presence.

Protecting Your Privacy

While it is impossible to completely prevent your personal data from getting online, there are steps you can take to protect your privacy:

• Limit what you share online: Be mindful of the information you post on social media and other public platforms.
• Use privacy settings: Configure your social media and website accounts to ensure that your information is shared only with people you trust.
• Read app permissions: Pay attention to the permissions you grant to smartphone apps before downloading them.
• Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) can encrypt your internet connection and make it more difficult for data brokers to track your online activities.
• Consider using a privacy browser: Browsers like DuckDuckGo and Firefox offer privacy features that can help block data brokers from tracking your browsing history.

By understanding how data brokers collect and use your personal information, you can take steps to protect your privacy and maintain control over your online footprint.