The data broker industry, which collects and shares personal information, has gained attention for its lobbying activities. In 2020, data broker spending on lobbying rivaled that of Big Tech companies like Facebook and Google. The top spender was Oracle, followed by Accenture and PricewaterhouseCoopers. California, Virginia, and Maine have passed privacy laws to regulate data brokers. The industry has faced scrutiny for data breaches and the protection of massive data troves. While some companies deny being data brokers, the industry’s influence and pervasiveness in collecting personal information are evident.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data broker spending on lobbying | Increasing spending by data brokers | Increased regulation and scrutiny of data brokers | Protection of privacy and consumer advocacy |
| Oracle’s acquisition of data collection companies | Consolidation of data collection operations | Oracle’s dominance in data collection | Expansion of data collection capabilities |
| California, Virginia, and Maine privacy laws | Regulation of data brokers and personal data use | More stringent privacy regulations | Protection of consumer privacy |
| Concerns about security of data held by brokers | Increased scrutiny of data security | Improved data security measures | Protection of consumer data |
| Lobbying efforts for and against privacy bills | Lobbying for influence on privacy legislation | Potential federal privacy law | Influence over privacy regulations and standards |
| Scrutiny and oversight of data broker industry | Increased attention to industry practices | Potential threat to business models | Privacy regulations and public awareness |
| Ongoing debate on regulation of data brokers | Lack of sufficient regulation and oversight | Potential for increased regulation | Addressing monopolistic practices and privacy gaps |