Who is selling your data

Added on: 19/08/2024 Have you ever wondered why your inbox is filled with junk, promotions or subscriptions that seem to be coming out of nowhere?

I have.

That was until a few years ago when I was introduced to the Data Protection industry, and discovered some interesting things, including that many companies sell and share our personal data.

Most of the time, this happens behind closed doors, as you don’t know if and when it takes place.

But there are other times when it’s pretty clear.

And that’s how I found that my data was sold at least 3 times.

First time happened about 4 years ago.

One day, out of nowhere, I got a welcome email from a local flower shop in California.

How the hell did these guys got my info, since they only sell within that state?

Luckily, I knew what I had to do.

I immediately sent them a Data Request, and asked what data they had about me, where they got it from and what they’re doing with it.

Initially, they were reluctant to disclose this information, but I don’t back down easily, and I pushed them even more.

They finally told me that they bought my data (fortunately it was only my email address) from 2 US based data brokers.

Second time it happened was about 2-3 years ago. I was working on startup, and was quite active on HARO and on the lookout for opportunities to take part in articles or interviews.

At some point, I found an ad from a publication, sent them an email, completed a form, and waited.

Lo and behold, 2 days later I get a welcome email from Harvard Business Review, and no response from that publication.

I start looking through my emails, maybe I missed something and I actually subscribed to HBR.

Nothing.

So I sent them a Data Request through the platform I was working on at that time.

Again, they were reluctant to answer my request and disclose any info, but I REALLY don’t back down easily and submitted a complaint to the ICO (they handle anything data protection related in the UK).

HBR operates pretty much anywhere across the globe, including UK, and they can’t afford a bad data protection PR or fine.

They finally got back to me almost a month later with some BS answer: they know that I subscribed to their newsletter some many years ago, and didn’t kept records around that time.

Did I really subscribed and forgot about it, or did they bought my data and tried to cover their sh*t?

Who can say…

Now for the final time I got my data sold, I had quite the surprise. It was in the middle of the pandemic. I was in Romania, and my wife and I were travelling back and forth between the UK and Romania.

Back then, you couldn’t enter the UK without a negative test, quarantine or vaccine (remember those good times?).

So we got vaccinated, and found out about a government incentive where they offered some cash for being vaccinated.

Free money!

I applied, they sent the money a week or 2 later, and about a month later it started.

I started getting loads of promotions and marketing emails from a bunch of Romanian companies (bear in mind that I used my email only in UK).

Yeah…even the government is out to sell you.

Good times we live in.

Since you got to the end, have a look below at the template I personally use to send Deletion Requests, so you can start removing your data from companies you don’t use, and avoid having your data sold. Learn from my mistakes.

Data Deletion Request Template:

“Dear Data Protection Officer,

I am writing to you to request the deletion of my personal information from your database, under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

I include the information below in order to confirm my identity:
Full name:
Email:

lease confirm once all my information has been removed from your systems.

If you are not the person responsible for handling these requests, please pass this email to your relevant department.”

If you want a simpler way to manage your subscriptions, your data, and your requests (both Data Requests and Deletion Requests), I invite you to join Sentrya (sentrya.net) - get 45% off Pro Plan.

I hope this articles sheds some light on how companies might handle your data, and gives you the push you needed to start improving your privacy and security.

Until next time.

LG Smart TVs Now Use Emotionally Intelligent Ads with Zenapse AI Technology

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How Data Brokers and AI Shape Digital Privacy: The Role of Publicis and CoreAI

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The company operates in over 100 countries and works with major brands across industries, leveraging advanced data analytics to enhance marketing campaigns. Introduction of CoreAI To further solidify its position as a leader in AI-driven marketing, Publicis introduced CoreAI in January 2024. CoreAI is an intelligent system designed to analyse and optimise vast datasets, including: • 2.3 billion consumer profiles • Trillions of data points on consumer behaviour This AI-powered tool integrates machine learning and predictive analytics to help businesses make data-driven marketing decisions, improve targeting accuracy, and enhance customer engagement. How CoreAI Uses Data CoreAI uses AI-driven insights to: • Enhance media planning: Optimising ad placements and improving ROI. • Personalise advertising: Delivering hyper-targeted ads based on individual behaviour. • Improve operational efficiency: Automating marketing tasks, reducing costs, and streamlining campaigns. Publicis has committed €300 million over the next three years to further develop its AI capabilities, reinforcing its goal of leading the AI-driven transformation of digital marketing. <h2 class= "text-heading">The Intersection of Data Brokers and AI in Advertising</h2> The combination of data brokers and AI-powered marketing platforms like CoreAI is reshaping how businesses interact with consumers. By leveraging massive datasets and machine learning, companies can: • Predict consumer behaviour with greater accuracy. • Refine targeted advertising to reach the right audience at the right time. • Enhance customer experiences through personalised content. However, this technological evolution also raises ethical and privacy concerns regarding consumer data rights, AI bias, and the potential misuse of personal information. <h2 class= "text-heading">How Consumers Can Protect Their Data</h2> Individuals concerned about data privacy can take several steps to protect their information: 1. Opt-out of data collection: Many data brokers offer opt-out options, though the process can be tedious. 2. Use privacy-focused services: Platforms like <a href= "https://sentrya.net" class= "content-link">Sentrya</a> help remove personal data from public databases. 3. Limit data sharing: Adjust privacy settings on social media, browsers, and mobile apps. 4. Stay informed: Keep track of legislation and regulations surrounding data privacy. The growing influence of data brokers and AI-driven marketing technologies is transforming the digital landscape. Companies like Publicis Groupe are pioneering AI solutions like CoreAI, offering advanced data-driven insights while raising concerns about consumer privacy. As regulations evolve, businesses and consumers alike must navigate the fine line between innovation and ethical data use. Read more

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Italy Data Protection Authority Blocks Chinese AI App DeepSeek Over Privacy Concerns

Italy’s Data Protection Authority, known as the Garante, has taken decisive action against the Chinese artificial intelligence application DeepSeek, citing significant concerns over user data privacy. The regulator has ordered an immediate block on the app’s operations within Italy and initiated a comprehensive investigation into its data handling practices. <h2 class= "text-heading">Background on DeepSeek</h2> Developed by Hangzhou DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence and Beijing DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence, DeepSeek is an AI-powered chatbot that has rapidly gained global popularity. Notably, it has surpassed U.S. competitor ChatGPT in downloads from Apple’s App Store, attracting attention from both users and regulatory bodies. <h2 class= "text-heading">Regulatory Actions and Concerns</h2> The Garante’s intervention was prompted by DeepSeek’s failure to provide adequate information regarding its data collection and processing methods. Specifically, the authority sought clarity on: • The types of personal data collected • The sources of this data • The purposes and legal basis for data processing • Whether user data is stored in China DeepSeek’s responses were deemed “completely insufficient,” leading to the immediate suspension of the app’s data processing activities concerning Italian users. The Garante emphasised the potential risk to the data of millions of individuals in Italy as a primary concern driving this decision. <h2 class= "text-heading">International Scrutiny</h2> Italy is not alone in its apprehensions regarding DeepSeek’s data practices. Data protection authorities in France, Ireland, and South Korea have also initiated inquiries into the app’s handling of personal information. These investigations reflect a growing global vigilance over the privacy implications of rapidly advancing AI technologies. <h2 class= "text-heading">Company’s Position and Market Impact</h2> DeepSeek has asserted that it does not operate within Italy and is therefore not subject to European legislation. However, the Garante proceeded with its investigation due to the app’s significant global download rates and potential impact on Italian users. The emergence of DeepSeek’s new chatbot has intensified competition in the AI industry, challenging established American AI leaders with its lower costs and innovative approach. The actions taken by Italy’s Data Protection Authority underscore the critical importance of transparency and compliance in the handling of personal data by AI applications. As AI technologies continue to evolve and proliferate, regulatory bodies worldwide are increasingly vigilant in ensuring that user privacy is safeguarded. The ongoing investigations into DeepSeek will serve as a significant benchmark for the enforcement of data protection standards in the AI industry. Read more

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