Data Broker Opt-Outs

 

What are data brokers?

Commercial data brokers acquire, purchase, accumulate, and sell information about consumers; they have vast information on most Americans. Data brokers offer some very limited opt-outs, and not all data brokers offer opt-outs. If you are a victim of identity theft, a law enforcement professional, or a victim of domestic violence, the opt-outs may be important for you. opt-out policies can be challenging to find on the data broker sites. When you read the opt-out offerings carefully, you will see that they are often qualified. Consumers who are victims of identity thieves, victims of domestic violence, public officials, and others may have the greatest interest in seeking what opt-out options are available. Some commercial data brokers allow some categories of consumers to opt-out of some limited uses and disclosures of personal information.

How to opt-out

Acxiom, Choicepoint, and Lexis Nexis are the largest data brokers, so, if you are an identity theft victim, a law enforcement professional, or have a strong safety need to opt-out of data broker databases, start with these three companies first. For more information on data broker opt-outs: Privacy Rights Clearinghouse Info Brokers opt-out page and CDT opt-out Site.

Acxiom: To opt-out of some of Acxiom’s marketing and directory products, request an opt-out by sending an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling 1-877-774-2094. For more information Acxiom opt-outs: http://www.acxiom.com/default.aspx?ID=2851&DisplayID=18.

Choicepoint: All consumers can opt-out of the Choicepoint Marketing database by completing the online form at http://www.privacyatchoicepoint.com/optout_ext.html#optout. ChoicePoint may allow public and elected officials, including law enforcement officers, to opt-out of certain PFG products and services in cases where the official is working undercover, on a high-profile assignment, or under threat of death or serious bodily harm. Public and elected officials must submit their opt-out requests, in writing on official government letterhead.

Also, ChoicePoint may allow certain private individuals who are facing a substantial risk of physical harm or who are victims of Identity Theft to opt-out of certain PFG products and services with a written request that includes documentation substantiating the risk of physical harm or the individual’s status as an Identity Theft victim, including a properly filed police report, or a letter from a law enforcement agency, or a law enforcement contact familiar with the issue necessitating the request.

Intelius: Intelius' out policy is unclear, nevertheless, to opt-out, go to http://find.intelius.com/privacy-faq.php#5.

Lexis Nexis: If you are a state, local, or federal law enforcement officer or public official and your position exposes you to a threat of death or serious bodily harm; or you are a victim of identity theft; or you are at risk of physical harm you may opt-out at http://www.lexisnexis.com/terms/privacy/data/remove.asp.

US Search Profile: You can opt-out of information culled from non-public record sources, such as from magazine subscriptions. To opt-out, mail in a signed request with: your full name, e-mail address, mailing address, social security number, date of birth, past addresses and aliases. For more on US Search opt-out: http://www.ussearch.com/consumer/commerce/about/privacy.jsp;
jsessionid=0WgYmX6nG96xwxsPoXhG9A**.node4?adID=10002101.