FTC Continues FCRA Enforcement Activities: Warning Letters to 10 Data Brokers

Today, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) announced 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. 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 and here, 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 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.