An information broker (independent information professional, information consultant, or data broker) collects information, often about individual people. The data are then sold to companies that use it to target advertising and marketing towards specific groups, to verify a person’s identity including for purposes of fraud detection, and to sell to individuals and organizations so they can research particular individuals. Critics, including consumer protection organizations, say the industry is secretive and unaccountable, and should be better regulated. … Data Broker / Information Broker