Texas data broker prohibited from peddling Califonians’ health data

The California Privacy Protection Agency has banned Texas-based marketing firm Rickenbacher Data LLC, which operates as Datamasters, from selling Californians' personal data after peddling information from millions of individuals with medical conditions for targeted advertising purposes, BleepingComputer reports.

Datamasters has also been ordered to pay $45,000 over its failure to timely register as a data broker, which is in violation of California's Delete Act.

"In addition, Datamasters bought and resold lists of people based on age and perceived race, offering 'Senior Lists' and 'Hispanic Lists,' as well as lists based on political views, grocery store purchases, banking activity, and health-related purchases," said the CPPA.

Aside from being mandated to delete all data from Californians by the end of December, Datamasters has also been required to delete future datasets from Californians within 24 hours of receipt, as well as ensure compliance measures within the next five years. Meanwhile, S&P Global Inc has also imposed a $62,600 fine for its late registration as a data broker due to an administrative error.