CFPB’s Data Broker Proposal Faces Uncertain Future Under Trump

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau couched proposed restrictions on data brokers in bipartisan terms—as a way to protect national security, older Americans, and domestic violence survivors—but the rule’s fate remains clouded as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office.

Data brokers would be subject to a 1970 federal credit reporting law under the CFPB’s proposal released Tuesday, which would also limit the sale of “credit header” data such as names, addresses, and Social Security numbers that can be used to identify consumers.

The CFPB said the rule was intended to prevent foreign adversaries such as China and Russia from easily ...