---
title: "FTC Continues FCRA Enforcement Activities: Warning Letters to 10 Data Brokers"
date: 2013-05-07T14:43:38-04:00
author: Import Bot
canonical_url: "https://www.kelleydrye.com/viewpoints/blogs/ad-law-access/ftc-continues-fcra-enforcement-activities-warning-letters-to-10-data-brokers"
section: Blog Posts
---
# FTC Continues FCRA Enforcement Activities: Warning Letters to 10 Data Brokers

 May 7, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) [announced](http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/05/databroker.shtm) that it sent letters to 10 data brokers warning them that their practices may be subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”). A sample letter is available [here](http://www.ftc.gov/os/2013/05/130507databrokersusinfo.pdf). Among other things, the FCRA governs the sale and use of consumer information which may be used to make decisions about consumers’ creditworthiness, eligibility for insurance, or suitability for employment.

As part of a global privacy sweep conducted by the Global Privacy Enforcement Network (“GPEN”), the FTC conducted test-shopping with 45 data brokers. Based on the sweep, 10 data brokers indicated a willingness to sell consumer information in a manner that *may* violate the FCRA.

As we’ve previously noted [here](http://www.adlawaccess.com/2012/02/articles/privacy-and-information-securi/ftc-warns-6-mobile-apps-about-possible-fcra-violations/) and [here](http://www.adlawaccess.com/2012/06/articles/federal-trade-commission/spokeo-agrees-to-pay-800000-to-settle-charges-of-fcra-violations/), the FTC continues to use its authority under FCRA through enforcement actions—which include civil penalties—and warning letters. Last month, the [FTC warned 6 websites](http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/04/tenant.shtm) that their sharing of consumers’ rental history information with landlords *may* be subject to the FCRA.

While the warning letters are not a formal complaint alleging FCRA violations, they are an important reminder for all companies that sell consumer information to closely examine whether these practices fall under the FCRA and, if so, to ensure proper compliance.

 

 **Tags:** [Federal Trade Commission](https://www.kelleydrye.com/viewpoints/blogs/ad-law-access/tags/federal-trade-commission), [International](https://www.kelleydrye.com/viewpoints/blogs/ad-law-access/tags/international), [Privacy and Information Security](https://www.kelleydrye.com/viewpoints/blogs/ad-law-access/tags/privacy-and-information-security)

 

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