What makes a company a data broker?
In the US, state laws set the main definitions, and they turn on whose data it is; a 2024 federal law on sales to foreign adversaries also defines a data broker by data it "did not collect directly from such individuals" (15 U.S.C. § 9901). California's Delete Act covers a business that knowingly collects and sells to "third parties the personal information of a consumer with whom the business does not have a direct relationship", and requires data brokers to register with the state privacy agency (CalPrivacy, Data Broker Registration). From August 1, 2026, data brokers must also access the state's "accessible deletion mechanism" at least once every 45 days and process consumer deletion requests, subject to limited exceptions (Cal. Civ. Code § 1798.99.86(c)) (CalPrivacy). Vermont's definition is similar and covers a business that "sells or licenses" such information; until January 1, 2027 it lists examples of a direct relationship, including a past or present customer, user or employee of the business, and from that date a direct relationship means the consumer "has intentionally interacted with a business" to access, buy, use or ask about its products or services (9 V.S.A. § 2430).
How is a data partner different?
A data partner licenses records produced by running its own business, such as SOPs, internal documents, support conversations and code, under an agreement it negotiates, rather than trading in profiles of strangers. Any personal details in those records usually concern the company's own customers and staff, and they can be de-identified before sharing. "Data partner" is a commercial label, not a legal category, so whether a particular deal touches a data broker law is a question for your counsel; this page is general information, not legal advice.
What does being a data partner with fearofgod.ai involve?
fearofgod.ai licenses data from companies, with 60+ partner companies so far and $17M paid to partners. fearofgod.ai de-identifies the data before it goes to buyers. A partner company's name stays confidential until the agreement is fully signed, and a completely anonymous partnership is also possible. Partners can be paid more than once, through renewals and repeat licences.