What Can I Do If A Business Shares My Personal Data Without Permission?

If you discover that a business has shared your personal data without your permission, it’s important to take action to protect your rights. Here’s how to address the situation:

Steps to Take If Your Personal Data Is Shared Without Permission

1. Document Everything: Keep a record of any communications or transactions with the business, including how you believe your data was shared and any evidence of the unauthorized sharing.
2. Review Privacy Policies: Check the business’s privacy policy to understand how they handle personal data and whether they disclosed any information regarding sharing data with third parties.
3. Contact the Business: Reach out to the business directly to express your concerns. Ask them to explain how your data was shared and request that they stop any further unauthorized sharing.
4. Opt-Out: If the business offers an opt-out option for data sharing in their privacy policy, follow the steps to opt-out. Ensure you receive confirmation of your request.
5. File a Complaint: If the business does not respond satisfactorily, you can file a complaint with relevant consumer protection agencies or regulatory bodies. In the U.S., you can contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state’s attorney general.
6. Monitor for Fraud: Keep an eye on your accounts and credit reports for any signs of identity theft or fraud that may result from the unauthorized sharing of your personal data.

Legal Considerations and Protections

1. Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with data protection laws in your jurisdiction, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe or the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the U.S. These laws provide protections for consumers regarding their personal data.
2. Consult Legal Advice: If the unauthorized sharing has resulted in significant harm, consider consulting a lawyer who specializes in data privacy law. They can help you understand your rights and potential legal actions.
3. Consider Data Breach Actions: If the unauthorized sharing constitutes a data breach, you may have additional rights and remedies under applicable data breach laws.

Example

If a consumer finds that a retail company has shared their email address and purchase history with third-party marketers without consent, they should:

• Document all relevant communications and terms of service.
• Contact the company to request clarification and cessation of data sharing.
• If unsatisfied, file a complaint with consumer protection agencies and monitor their accounts for any signs of misuse of their personal information.