A data broker is a company that collects, aggregates, and sells data about individuals and businesses. Data brokers typically collect data from a variety of sources, such as public records, surveys, and online sources, and then sell this data to other companies for various purposes, such as marketing and advertising.

Data brokers play a crucial role in the digital economy by providing businesses with access to large amounts of data that can be used to better understand and serve their customers. However, data brokers also raise concerns about privacy and the potential misuse of personal data.

Data brokers are regulated by various laws and regulations, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the United States. These laws establish rules for the collection, use, and disclosure of personal data, and give individuals the right to access and control their data.