After a significant data breach that exposed millions of Social Security numbers and other personal information, Florida-based National Public Data has updated its website to announce the cessation of its data profiling services. The company, which had been selling personal data for background checks, quietly posted the change on its site last week, informing users that they have been automatically opted out of its services.

The statement reads: “We have opted out ALL personal data and are not selling your personal information through our services. We may be required to retain certain records to comply with legal obligations.” This response comes after many users contacted the company regarding their desire to opt-out following the breach. The company’s decision seems to signal an acknowledgment of the fallout from the security breach and its impact on business.

National Public Data, operating under its parent entity, Jerico Pictures, had collected extensive personal information to aid private investigators and fraud prevention services. However, a hacker breached its systems in December, leaking names, email addresses, phone numbers, mailing addresses, dates of birth, and up to 272 million unique Social Security numbers on underground forums. Despite warnings that the data might not be entirely accurate, the breach has led to severe reputational and financial consequences for the company.

Legal troubles are also mounting. On Monday, the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida issued a “default” order in a class-action lawsuit against National Public Data after Jerico Pictures failed to respond to legal action by August 28. A motion to extend the filing period was denied, leaving the company vulnerable to a default judgment, which could lead to substantial damages owed to affected users.

Despite the company’s quiet retreat from selling personal data, National Public Data’s future remains uncertain, as it faces potential fines and additional lawsuits after the breach. Jerico Pictures has not responded to multiple requests for comment, raising further questions about the company’s next steps.

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