Congressional investigation finds data broker breaches cost consumers $20 billion in identity theft
By
By Colin Lecher
Master baker tier. Every paragraph earns its place on the tray.
Summary
A congressional investigation triggered by reporting from The Markup and CalMatters reveals that data broker breaches have cost American consumers over $20 billion in identity theft losses. The Joint Economic Committee's findings stem from just four recent breaches involving major data brokers. In response, major brokers have pledged to make it easier for consumers to opt out of their databases.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledBreaches at data brokers have cost American consumers more than $20 billion
Congress's Joint Economic Committee revealed Friday as part of an investigation triggered by The Markup and CalMatters
The estimated losses stem from identity theft linked to just four recent data breaches involving major brokers
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