California Privacy Agency Takes Down BackgroundAlert

BackgroundAlert Bites the Dust

"Can't find server" is the message you'll see if you try to visit backgroundalert.com. Background Alert was a data broker Kanary had been tracking for years. They aggregated personal information like names, emails, addresses, and family member information. We're thrilled this shady data broker has gone dark after years of dealing with illegal ID requests. One less bad actor to play whack-a-mole with.

What happened?

In October 2024, the CPPA announced an investigation into data brokers in violation of the California Delete Act (CDA). Under the CDA, data brokers need to register and pay a fee in order to operate in California or use the data of California residents. Failing to register would cost data brokers as much as $200/day in fines. Looks like Background Alert failed to register and the CPPA threatened them with a $50,000 fine and got them to shut down. Robinson + Cole, a law firm with a dedicated privacy and security practice, covered the fine and investigation in detail.

Unlike other brokers operating in states with poor privacy laws like Florida or internationally, BackgroundAlert was based in California, right in the CPPA's strike zone. And from their domain information, it looks like they are giving up the business for good, letting the domain expire in May 2025.

Your next steps

This is a big win for privacy regulation in the US and reigning in data broker's unfettered access to our personal information. If you live in California, make sure you let your representatives know you support the work they are doing to fight back. And that you want this enforcement decision to be the first of many.

If you aren't a California resident, but are looking for your representatives to take more action to protect your privacy, share this story with them and let them know that their actions matter and can have a big impact.

How can Kanary help?

We're dedicated to empowering you with the tools you need to protect your online privacy.

• Kanary Copilot: Our free user-friendly mobile app, available on iOS (and soon on Android), puts privacy control in your hands. It's an accessible and free way to manage your online exposures on the go.

• Stay Connected: Follow us on your favorite social media platforms for privacy tips, industry updates, and special offers. You can also join our Discord community to connect with fellow privacy enthusiasts, share insights, and learn from others. Join the Kanary Discord HERE.

The online privacy landscape is constantly shifting, but Kanary is here to help you navigate it.
💛 Team Kanary