Senate Democrats Introduced Data Broker Bill

The Data Broker Accountability and Transparency Act was introduced on March 5, 2015, to regulate how companies sell personal information.

Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Cybersecurity

Senate Democrats Introduced Data Broker Bill

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Should federal law require data brokers to obtain consumer permission before selling personal information?

On March 5, 2015, a group of Senate Democrats introduced the Data Broker Accountability and Transparency Act, designated as S. 668. The proposed legislation sought to grant consumers greater control over the collection and sale of their personal data by third-party brokers.

Why it matters

The sponsors introduced the bill to protect the fundamental right to privacy regarding the sale of personal information. By allowing consumers to correct or restrict their data, the measure aimed to increase transparency in the data brokerage industry.

The legislation, identified as S. 668, establishes a legal framework for consumers to correct personal information held by data brokers. These brokers are defined as companies that collect personal data specifically for sale to third parties.

The players

Edward J. Markey

He is a U.S. Senator who served as a lead sponsor of the legislation.

Richard Blumenthal

He is a U.S. Senator who participated in the introduction of the privacy measure.

Sheldon Whitehouse

He is a U.S. Senator who co-sponsored the bill to regulate data brokerage.

Al Franken

He is a former U.S. Senator who acted as a sponsor for the Data Broker Accountability and Transparency Act.

Direct Marketing Association

This is a trade association that expressed formal opposition to the introduced bill.

The details

The bill provides mechanisms for individuals to restrict the use and sale of their personal information. While supporters like Consumer Watchdog and the Center for Digital Democracy backed the initiative, the Direct Marketing Association registered its opposition to the proposed regulations.

The Data Broker Accountability and Transparency Act was introduced in the Senate on March 5, 2015.

The Tech Race

The Data Broker Accountability and Transparency Act follows a pattern of federal regulatory efforts aimed at tightening digital privacy in the United States. This move highlights the ongoing tension between data-driven marketing sectors and evolving consumer rights expectations.

If enacted, the bill would empower users by granting them the legal right to restrict how their personal information is bought and sold. It would also provide a path for consumers to correct inaccurate data profiles maintained by third-party entities.

The takeaway

Legislative efforts like S. 668 highlight the increasing scrutiny directed at the behind-the-scenes trade of personal data. Consumers can protect their privacy by staying informed about how third-party companies collect and handle their information.