Fact Check: Your data may be shared with 90 vendors and 19 ad partners!

Fact Check: "Your data may be shared with 90 vendors and 19 ad partners!"

What We Know

The claim that "your data may be shared with 90 vendors and 19 ad partners" suggests a significant level of data sharing by companies, particularly in the context of online privacy. According to a Wired article, many popular websites share user data with a large number of third-party vendors, sometimes exceeding 1,500 partners. This indicates that the number of vendors and ad partners can vary widely depending on the specific website or service in question.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has also highlighted concerns regarding data sharing practices, particularly in cases where sensitive health information is involved. This suggests that there are instances where data is shared with multiple third parties, although the exact number may differ.

Analysis

The claim's specificity regarding "90 vendors and 19 ad partners" lacks direct substantiation from credible sources. While it is true that many online services and platforms share data with numerous third parties, the exact numbers can vary significantly based on the service provider and the nature of the data being shared.

The FTC's report on privacy and data security emphasizes the need for transparency in how companies handle user data, but it does not provide specific figures that confirm the claim. Additionally, the Wired article illustrates the broader trend of data sharing but does not specifically validate the numbers mentioned in the claim.

Furthermore, the Federal Register discusses regulations aimed at preventing sensitive data from being accessed by certain entities, which implies that there are legal frameworks in place to control data sharing. However, these regulations do not directly address the specific claim about the number of vendors and ad partners.

In evaluating the reliability of the sources, the Wired article is a reputable publication known for its coverage of technology and privacy issues, while the FTC is a government agency tasked with protecting consumer rights. The Federal Register, being an official government publication, provides authoritative information but may not directly address the claim in question.

Conclusion

Verdict: Needs Research
The claim that "your data may be shared with 90 vendors and 19 ad partners" requires further investigation. While there is evidence that data sharing with third parties is common, the specific numbers cited in the claim are not substantiated by credible sources. The variability in data sharing practices across different platforms makes it difficult to confirm the accuracy of this claim without more detailed evidence.