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Minnesota Shooting Suspect Allegedly Used Data Broker Sites to Find Targets’ Addresses
- A suspect in Minnesota allegedly used data broker sites to find targets' addresses before a violent spree that resulted in the murder of a state representative and her husband, and the shooting of a state senator and his wife.
- The suspect, Vance Boelter, is accused of shooting Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, who died from their injuries, as well as shooting state senator John Hoffman and his wife, who are currently recovering.
- Police found handwritten lists of public officials' addresses in the suspect's SUV, along with notebooks listing search platforms for personal information.
- The addresses of the targeted lawmakers were readily available online through campaign websites and legislative webpages.
- The suspect faces charges of second-degree murder and is alleged to have stalked his victims online before the attacks.
- Privacy advocates argue for regulation of data brokers to protect individuals' sensitive information, as the US lacks comprehensive data privacy legislation.
- Lawmakers like US Senator Ron Wyden emphasize the risks posed by data brokers who sell personal information that can be used for harmful purposes.
- Basic information like home addresses can be easily obtained through public records or people search services, raising concerns about data security and personal safety.
- The incident underscores the urgency to address the protection of personal data online and the potential dangers of unregulated data broker services.
- Advocates call for action by lawmakers to prevent further tragedies and protect individuals from the misuse of personal data facilitated by data brokers.
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