Data brokers are companies or individuals that collect and sell personal information about consumers. They gather data from various sources, including public records, online activities, and social media profiles. This information is often used for marketing purposes, helping businesses target specific audiences. These brokers compile detailed profiles that may include demographics, interests, and purchasing behavior. While data brokers can provide valuable insights for companies, concerns about privacy and data security have led to calls for greater regulation. Consumers may not always be aware of how their information is being used or sold by these data brokers.