View from the Top: The Data Discussion

This week Epsilon responded to members of Congress who sent a query letter to Epsilon last month, along with eight other companies which they labeled as "data brokers." The query focused on data collection and storage practices as well as consumer access and transparency.


We take consumer privacy and responsible use of consumer information very seriously at Epsilon. We work closely with the Direct Marketing Association (DMA), of which I am a member of the Board of Directors, and our industry peers to develop industry best practices for consumers and marketers. It's critically important to us that we balance the legitimate needs of our clients – businesses both small and large – with the reasonable privacy concerns of consumers.

With that in mind, we are happy to help educate Congress about our business, our data practices and our overall industry. Our response letter is intended to explain our practices as well as outline how the work we do for clients helps them increase sales, reduce costs and operate more effectively and efficiently. I am proud to say that we create thousands of jobs and impact the global economy each and every day.


Businesses aren't the only ones who benefit from data-driven marketing. The consumers that our clients touch through marketing channels, such as email, direct mail, mobile, social and online, receive more relevant communications from the brands they know and trust because of the data that Epsilon provides to clients.

As noted in the DMA's letter to Congress, "Marketing benefits consumers individually by informing their buying decisions and collectively by fueling competition. It is critical to understand that marketing databases are not individual "look up" services. They are merely high-tech ways for companies to pursue the same goal that marketers have always had – namely, reaching a group of consumers likely to enjoy their products or services."


The data discussion is well underway and we are committed to playing an active role and engaging in ongoing conversations with lawmakers, fellow industry leaders, clients and consumers.