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There is an entire industry of data aggregators and consumer profilers that has existed for decades, long before the internet landed on the scene. These players have been funneling data and providing search services to the three letter orgs in exchange for freedom from any legal encumbrance. There is no way to stop this from happening. They are the main reason why the US has such weak data protection laws in the first place.


Well, the way to stop it would be to outlaw it. More difficult and niche/low-visibility issues have been fought and won, over time. Not impossible, though not easy, and you'd be up against a maybe-unprecedented number of lobbying dollars.


> "from any legal encumbrance"

Do you have any anecdotes or links where data collectors exchanged favor with ABCs for legal violations?




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