Under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, who is defined as a consumer?

The definition of a consumer under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act is broad and encompasses anyone about whom personal information is collected. This means that the term "consumer" includes not only individuals who have established a formal relationship with a financial institution, such as customers with account access or ongoing services, but also any individual whose information is gathered by the institution, regardless of whether they have completed a transaction or initiated a relationship. This comprehensive definition is essential for the protection of personal information, as it ensures that all individuals who may have their data collected—regardless of their status as customers or otherwise—are afforded certain privacy rights under the Act.

This broad interpretation is significant as it emphasizes the importance of data privacy across all stages of interaction with financial institutions. Consequently, the protections and responsibilities outlined in the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act apply not just to established customers but also to potential customers or anyone whose information might be processed by these institutions.