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
Random blue city stabbing death fuels new bail bill as ‘activists’ ripped for lack of crime crackdown: expert

WATCH: Video Captures Charlotte Train Stabbing Suspect Moments Before Incident and Arrest

Note: The following article includes details of violence that some readers may…
Zac Efron's 'real singing voice' shocks fans after 'High School Musical' demo leaks

Fans Surprised by Zac Efron’s True Singing Voice in Leaked ‘High School Musical’ Demo

Zac Efron’s early singing skills are being met with mixed reactions. A…
Patty García launches campaign for Illinois' 4th Congressional District after US Rep. Jesús 'Chuy' García's controversial exit

Patty García Announces Bid for Illinois’ 4th Congressional District Following US Rep. Jesús ‘Chuy’ García’s Contentious Departure

CHICAGO (WLS) — On Wednesday, Patty García, who serves as the chief…
Golden Bachelor Finale: Mel finds love with Peg

Golden Bachelor Finale Surprise: Mel Chooses Peg as His Heart’s True Match

The anticipation for the “Golden Bachelor” finale reached its peak as viewers…
RedMagic is offering exclusive perks for upgrading to the 11 Pro

Unlock Exclusive Perks: RedMagic Launches Irresistible Upgrade Offer for 11 Pro Users

Let’s face it: our phones have evolved far beyond their original purpose…
The last-ever penny has been minted in Philadelphia Wednesday

Philadelphia Marks Historic Milestone with Final Penny Minting on Wednesday

PHILADELPHIA — The iconic American penny, after a long and storied journey,…
Kristian Winfield: New-look Knicks still need answers to the same-old questions

Kristian Winfield: Revamped Knicks Continue to Seek Solutions to Familiar Challenges

Jalen Brunson chose not to respond to a particular question, but the…
ICE and Florida arrest 230 criminal illegal aliens in 10-day operation

Florida and ICE Collaborate to Detain 230 Criminal Undocumented Immigrants in Just 10 Days

In a concerted effort to crack down on criminal activities, law enforcement…
Hot Takes: Goodbye 'Schumer Shutdown,' Replaced by Democrats' Meltdown

Democrats’ Dilemma: From ‘Schumer Shutdown’ to Political Meltdown – What It Means for the Future

In a decisive move on Wednesday, the House of Representatives voted to…
Deadly explosions in India and Pakistan occur within 24 hours — at least 20 dead

Tragic Explosions Rock India and Pakistan: Over 20 Fatalities Reported Within 24 Hours

In a tragic span of just 24 hours, devastating explosions rocked the…
Civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson hospitalized at Northwestern Hospital in Chicago, Rainbow PUSH Coalition and sources say

Rev. Jesse Jackson Hospitalized in Chicago: Civil Rights Leader Under Care at Northwestern Hospital, Confirms Rainbow PUSH Coalition

CHICAGO — Renowned civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson is currently receiving…
Grandmother allegedly kills 5-year-old grandson while driving impaired in family driveway

Tragic Incident: Grandmother Accused of Fatally Striking Grandson in Driveway While Under the Influence

A tragic incident unfolded in Slidell, Louisiana, leading to the arrest of…