Share this @internewscast.com

Personal information about active-duty U.S. service members is cheap, easy to buy and widely advertised by data brokers who sell Americans’ data, according to a Duke University study published Monday.

The researchers behind the study said they purchased a variety of data including names, phone numbers, addresses and sometimes even information like the names of service members’ children, their marital status, net worth and credit rating, often for as little as 12 cents per person. In total, the researchers bought nearly 50,000 service members’ records for a little over $10,000.

The research has prompted fears that a lack of major regulation in the data brokerage sector may constitute a national security risk. Senators who received an advance look at the Duke study said in emailed statements that it highlighted the need for action.

“This report further solidifies the need to address this gaping hole in the protection of U.S. servicemembers,” said Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La. “We must act in the interest of national security and protect those who defend our nation.”

Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., called the findings “a sobering wake-up call for policy makers that the data broker industry is out of control and poses a serious threat to U.S. national security.”

The study found more than 500 data broker websites that advertised information on service members, though some refused to sell that information when they realized the buyers were academic researchers. Others required a nondisclosure agreement. The Duke researchers ultimately purchased thousands of records from three brokers, which they did not name.

Justin Sherman, a fellow at Duke’s Sanford School of Public Policy, which conducted the study, said the findings highlight a side of privacy regulation that’s less often discussed.

“We have this interesting policy gap, which is our privacy conversations are primarily about consumer privacy,” Sherman said. “And that’s really important, but they don’t think much about national security.”

Some brokers offered records specific to certain areas, which could help a purchaser determine where an active-duty military service member is stationed.

The availability of service members’ data is considered a national security concern because it can be used by foreign spies to identify and court Americans with access to state secrets.

“Information on people that you don’t want being approached by foreign intelligence services being reasonably easy to acquire is not a good situation,” Jeff Asher, a former CIA officer, told NBC News.

A panel commissioned by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence released a report this July that found U.S. intelligence agencies routinely purchase such “commercially available information” on Americans with little issue or oversight.

“There is also a growing recognition that CAI, as a generally available resource, offers intelligence benefits to our adversaries,” the panel found.

A Pentagon spokesperson didn’t respond to a request for comment.

Some countries, particularly in the European Union, have strict regulations to guide industry practices of collecting, packaging, buying and selling personal information. U.S. law has put some limitations on medical data and information on young children, but Congress has failed to agree on a general data privacy bill.

“And not to sound like a broken record, but our country desperately needs a comprehensive consumer privacy law here, to limit the collection, retention and sale of sensitive personal information from the start,” Wyden said.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Raines High celebrates first state title since 2018 with parade filled with pride and community unity

Raines High Triumphs in First State Title Since 2018: A Celebration of Pride and Community Spirit

Raines High School’s triumphant return to state championship glory since 2018 ignited…
Men, boys meet to address mental health challenges at Josephine's Southern Cooking breakfast event on Chicago's South Side

Men and Boys Gather at Josephine’s Southern Cooking Breakfast to Tackle Mental Health Challenges on Chicago’s South Side

In the heart of Chicago’s South Side, a critical dialogue on mental…
US envoy Witkoff says high-level Miami talks focused on 'unified Gazan authority' as Israel ceasefire advances

US Envoy Witkoff Highlights Miami Discussions on Establishing a ‘Unified Gazan Authority’ Amid Progress in Israel Ceasefire

Efforts to advance the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan are…
Today in History: December 21, Pilgrims come ashore for the first time

Historic Milestone: Pilgrims Land on American Shores – December 21

As we mark Sunday, December 21, 2025, we find ourselves on the…
Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears look to get payback against Michah Parsons-less Green Bay Packers in NFC North showdown

Caleb Williams and Chicago Bears Aim for Redemption Against Green Bay Packers in NFC North Clash, Benefiting From Micah Parsons’ Absence

CHICAGO — Riding high with a five-game winning streak and victories in…
Congestion pricing = accessible transit

Revolutionizing Urban Mobility: How Congestion Pricing Fuels Enhanced Public Transit Accessibility

New York City’s public transit system is renowned for its ability to…
CNN staffers are reportedly loathing a potential Paramount Skydance takeover -- but don't expect the Ellisons to kill the news agency

Why CNN Staffers Fear a Paramount Skydance Takeover: The Inside Scoop on the Ellison’s Impact

Within the corridors of CNN, there’s a palpable sense of relief as…
Dave Chappelle surprises fans with Netflix special after Joshua-Paul fight

Dave Chappelle Drops Unexpected Netflix Special Following Joshua-Paul Fight

Dave Chappelle is once again ready to deliver laughs to his audience.…
Jake Paul fight: Anthony Joshua knocks out YouTuber in 6th round to win heavyweight bout

Anthony Joshua Defeats Jake Paul with Sixth-Round Knockout in Heavyweight Showdown

MIAMI — In a thrilling showdown on Friday night, Anthony Joshua delivered…
Boy, 15, and man, 38, slashed in Midtown Manhattan subway attacks 1 hour apart

Midtown Manhattan Subway Attacks: Teen and Adult Injured in Separate Incidents Within an Hour

In a troubling series of events on Saturday evening, two individuals fell…
Blue Origin launch: Paraplegic engineer Michaela Benthaus becomes first wheelchair user to blast into space

Groundbreaking Space Journey: Paraplegic Engineer Michaela Benthaus Makes History as First Wheelchair User in Space

A remarkable journey unfolded on Saturday as Michaela Benthaus, a paraplegic engineer…
Luigi Mangione lawyers renew bid to toss death penalty charge, alleging Pam Bondi has a conflict of interest

Luigi Mangione’s Legal Team Seeks Dismissal of Death Penalty, Citing Conflict of Interest with Pam Bondi

On Friday, attorneys representing Luigi Mangione intensified their efforts to dismiss the…