What a data broker does
A data broker gathers information from public records, apps, websites and purchases, combines it into profiles and sells or rents it, usually for marketing, risk scoring or people search. Most people searching for data brokers want their own information removed, and regulators increasingly treat the trade as high-risk.
How business data licensing differs
| Question | Data broker | Business data licence |
|---|---|---|
| Whose data | Often information about people who never agreed | Your company’s own records |
| Buyers | Many, often unknown | A named buyer you approve |
| Personal data | The core product | Removed or de-identified before delivery |
| Uses | Rarely limited | Written into the licence |
| Copies | Resold again and again | Deleted on an agreed schedule |
Why to avoid selling through a broker
- Reputation. Customers and staff may see a broker sale as selling their information.
- Regulation. Data broker laws and privacy rules such as GDPR add duties for anyone trading personal data.
- Control. Once copies are resold, you can’t recall or limit them.
- Price. Brokers buy in bulk at low prices, while AI buyers pay for depth and uniqueness. See how much company data is worth.
How to license business data safely
Start with records your company created and owns, such as drawings, tickets, logs and process documents. Exclude or de-identify personal information, agree permitted uses and deletion in writing, and keep the right to license elsewhere. Our preparation guide covers each step, and the free two-minute check tells you whether your records fit current buyers. Calto Data is an independent introducer, not a data broker.
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal for a company to sell its data?
Licensing data your company owns is generally lawful once personal information is removed or a legal basis exists. Contracts with customers and suppliers can add limits. This is general information, not legal advice.
Is Calto Data a data broker?
No. We don’t buy, hold or resell data. We check whether a business’s records fit what AI buyers want and introduce the two when they do.
What is the difference between a data broker and a data marketplace?
A broker buys and resells data itself. A marketplace lets sellers list data for buyers to license and takes a fee, while the seller remains the licensor.