Data brokerage is the business of collecting, analyzing, and selling personal information about individuals. Data brokers gather data from various sources, including public records, online activities, and social media profiles. They compile this information to create detailed consumer profiles, which can be sold to companies for marketing, research, or other purposes. These profiles can include demographics, purchasing habits, and interests, helping businesses target their advertising more effectively. While data brokerage can benefit companies by improving their marketing strategies, it raises privacy concerns for individuals whose information is being collected and sold without their explicit consent.