Data Brokers Put Florida Resident's Private Data At Risk

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State agencies' data mishandling and the lucrative data broker industry leave Floridians vulnerable to privacy violations and potential fraud

Fort Lauderdale, FL – Florida residents have found themselves at the center of a growing privacy crisis as state agencies, including the Florida Divers License Bureau and the Florida Department of Health, have been revealed to be selling personal data to third-party data brokers. This revelation has raised serious concerns about the security and confidentiality of Floridians' sensitive information and the potential for misuse by these data brokers.

Over the past few years, Floridians have faced significant threats to their privacy due to the sale of personal data by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and data breaches at the Florida Department of Health. These incidents have left Florida residents more vulnerable to exploitation by data brokers, who profit from selling personal information to third parties.

The Florida DMV's Data Sales
For years, the FLHSMV has been selling driver's license data to third-party companies, including data brokers. This practice has generated significant revenue for the state but has also compromised the personal data of millions of Floridians.

The sale of driver information by state agencies is a nationwide issue, but Florida's aggressive approach is particularly concerning; Residents provide this information under the assumption it will be used for official purposes, not sold to the highest bidder.

The Florida DMV has been found to sell the personal information of drivers and ID cardholders to private companies, including marketing firms, bill collectors, insurance companies, and data brokers. In fiscal 2017 alone, the FLHSMV made over $77 million from these sales. This practice has led to an increase in robocalls, direct mail offers, and even in-person solicitations for many Floridians. These sales also help AI programs get more and more information to cyber thieves who consolidate and then exploit the data. There is no way to opt out!

Case Study: Tonia Batson
Tonia Batson, a Medicaid patient with an intellectual disability, moved to Florida and obtained an ID card. Shortly after, she began receiving unsolicited offers for lawn services, credit cards, and insurance, as well as constant robocalls. This case highlights the invasive nature of data sales and the lack of control individuals have over their personal information.

Florida Health Department Data Breaches
In addition to the DMV's data sales, the Florida Department of Health has experienced significant data breaches. In June 2024, a cyberattack compromised personal information, including names, social security numbers, and medical records3. This breach exposed Floridians to potential identity theft and other forms of exploitation. Florida was slow even to acknowledge there was a breach and was very slow to officer data protection service.

For updates on data breaches and to check if you've been affected: Florida Department of Health Phone: (850) 245-4444.http://www.floridahealth.gov/

Impact on Floridians
The data breaches have left many Floridians extremely vulnerable to identity theft, financial fraud, and other malicious activities. Cybercriminals can use the compromised information to create fake identities, apply for loans, and commit other fraudulent activities.

Understanding Data Brokers
Data brokers are companies or individuals that collect, process, and sell personal information to third parties for various purposes. They gather data from public records, social media, credit card transactions, and other sources to create detailed profiles of individuals. Some of the largest data brokers in the US include Acxiom, Epsilon, Oracle, Equifax, and Experian. Most of these brokers will sell your information to anyone who can pay.

With this wealth of personal information now circulating, data brokers are poised to capitalize on Floridians' vulnerability. Data brokers are companies that collect, aggregate, and sell personal information about individuals. They operate in a largely unregulated space, gathering data from various sources, including public records, online activities, and purchased datasets – like those sold by the Florida DHSMV.

How Data Brokers Work
Data brokers collect information from various sources, including credit card companies, social media sites, public records, and loyalty programs. They then process this data to create comprehensive profiles, which are sold to marketing firms, insurance companies, and other entities. This industry generates billions of dollars annually and operates with minimal regulation. Some have even been breached, leaking ever more of the information that has been collated to you.

Data brokers create detailed profiles of individuals, often without their knowledge or consent. These profiles can include everything from shopping habits and financial status to medical conditions and political affiliations.

The Dangers of Data Brokers
The activities of data brokers pose significant risks to individuals' privacy and security. The collected data can be used for targeted advertising, risk mitigation, and even discriminatory practices. Additionally, data breaches at data broker companies can expose sensitive information to cybercriminals.

The data broker industry poses significant risks to individuals, including:

• Identity theft: Data brokers' databases can be hacked, exposing sensitive information to cybercriminals.
• Stalking and harassment: Data brokers can sell information to stalkers or harassers who can use it to track individuals' movements or contact them unwanted.
• Targeted advertising: Personal data is used to create invasive, targeted ads that can be unsettling and manipulative.
• Price discrimination: Some companies may use data broker information to discriminate against individuals based on their personal characteristics, such as their age, gender, or health status.
• Discrimination: Data brokers' profiles can perpetuate biases and discrimination in areas like employment, housing, and credit.
• Lack of transparency: Individuals often have no control over their data or knowledge of how it's being used.

A Case Study: Equifax Breach
In 2017, Equifax, one of the largest data brokers, experienced a data breach that exposed the personal information of 147 million Americans. This breach included social security numbers, birth dates, and addresses, leading to widespread identity theft and financial fraud.

Protecting Yourself from Data Brokers
While it is challenging to eliminate the risk posed by data brokers completely, there are steps individuals can take to protect their personal information:

• Opt-Out Options: Many data brokers offer opt-out options on their websites, allowing individuals to request the removal of their information.
• Privacy Settings: Adjust privacy settings on social media, apps, and devices to limit data sharing.
• Use Privacy Tools: Utilize privacy tools and services that help block tracking technologies and manage data privacy.
• Monitor Your Data: Regularly check for any unauthorized use of your personal information and report any suspicious activity.
• Opt-out: Contact data brokers directly to opt-out of their databases. Some notable data brokers include:
• • Acxiom (1-877-774-2094)
  • Experian (1-866-200-6020)
  • Equifax (1-800-685-5000)

If You Think Your Data Has Been Breached
For those affected by data breaches or concerned about their information being sold, the Florida Attorney General's Office provides resources and assistance:

• Office of the Florida Attorney General Phone: 1-866-9-NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226)http://myfloridalegal.com/

Forward Together
The sale of personal data by the Florida DMV and data breaches at the Florida Department of Health have exposed Floridians to additional and significant privacy risks. Understanding the role of data brokers and taking proactive steps to protect personal information can help mitigate these risks.

The exploitation of Floridians' personal data by state agencies and data brokers is a pressing concern. Individuals must take proactive steps to protect their data and demand stronger data protection measures from their government. By understanding the risks and taking action, Floridians can regain control over their personal information and mitigate the dangers posed by data brokers.

• Resources:
  Data Broker Industry Report:https://www.knowledge-sourcing.com/report/global-data-broker-market
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Guide to Data Brokers:https://www.ftc.gov/reports/data-brokers-call-transparency-accountability-report-federal-trade-commission-may-2014

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