Personal Information For Sale: State Sells Citizen’s Info For Profit

Personal information leaks are not uncommon and often result from data breaches or employee negligence. However, in one state, a government office sold citizens' information for profit without their knowledge or consent. This breach of privacy was a deliberate act and caused harm to the affected individuals.

When you visit the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) in Indiana, you are required to provide basic information such as your name, address, and age. However, this information is not meant to be sold to a third party without your consent. Unfortunately, an investigation has uncovered that the BMV has been selling personal and sensitive data of Hoosiers to third-party buyers, generating almost $26 million in profits in the past year and hundreds of millions more in total. Shockingly, state lawmakers have not taken any significant measures to cease this fraudulent activity.