The article discusses the issue of data privacy and how personal information is being sold by data brokers to various entities. It outlines how companies, often with whom individuals have never interacted, acquire sensitive data like names, addresses, and phone numbers. This data is then sold cheaply to telemarketers, former acquaintances, and even identity thieves, highlighting the pervasive lack of control people have over their personal data.

A significant aspect of the report is the ongoing public discourse surrounding privacy issues, which has been prevalent for years. Many individuals are aware of the existence of data brokers and the risks associated with the sharing of their personal information. Despite this awareness, there is a sense of inevitability regarding the commodification of personal data, which raises questions about regulations and consumer protections in the digital age.

The implications for privacy are profound as the article points out that many may not be surprised by the news, given the long-standing issues prevalent in the discussion about personal data. The selling of such information poses vast risks, including the potential for identity theft and the manipulation of individuals by targeted advertising. The article serves as a call for greater awareness and a reevaluation of how personal data is handled in order to enhance privacy in the digital landscape.