The FTC studied nine data brokers to help people understand how their personal information is categorized and sold. The data brokers offer products in the three broad categories of people search, marketing, and risk mitigation. In 2012, the nine brokers in this study generated a combined total of about $426 million in annual revenue. Data brokers “sell both the actual and derived data elements to their clients,” it’s important to realize how deep the rabbit hole goes. The report, “Data Brokers: A Call for Transparency and Accountability” (pdf)”]