Intel Global Privacy Officer Says FTC Needs Proper Tools to Regulate Data Brokers

The FTC doesn’t have proper tools or resources to regulate the data broker industry, Intel Global Privacy Officer David Hoffman wrote Tuesday. Data brokers identify as technology companies but are nothing more than “malicious profiteers” weaponizing and monetizing data, he said. The agency has difficulty extending Section 5 of the FTC Act to regulate data brokers, which gather sensitive information without directly interacting with consumers, Hoffman wrote. The agency lacks proper rulemaking authority, and the “teeth” needed to incentivize proper handling of data, Hoffman wrote, citing recent comments to the agency. The Association of National Advertisers' Data Marketing and Analytics Division didn't immediately comment.