A Data Broker’s Domain Empire Crumbles in Battle Over Online Privacy
Radaris.com, a consumer data broker with a reputation for ignoring requests to remove personal information from its vast online empire, has lost control of multiple domains after being sued by a company that alleged Radaris was violating a New Jersey privacy law. The law allows state law enforcement officials and government personnel to have their information removed from commercial data brokers and people-search services, with fines up to $1,000 per violation.
The lawsuit, brought by Atlas Data Privacy Corp in 2024, targeted not only Radaris but also several other data broker companies allegedly operated by the same individuals. The plaintiffs’ complaint alleged that these companies had ignored removal requests from state officials, despite being required to do so under Daniel’s Law. In a separate investigation published earlier this year, KrebsOnSecurity revealed the identity of the co-founders behind Radaris and its associated companies: Igor and Dmitry Lubarsky, Russian-born brothers living in Massachusetts.
As the lawsuit progressed, Radaris’s attorneys employed delaying tactics, attempting to deflect blame by claiming that Atlas had failed to serve the “real” owners and operators of the data broker companies. However, investigators hired by Atlas uncovered a complex web of shell companies and entities registered in various offshore jurisdictions, including the Marshall Islands and Seychelles. This tactic, known as “island-hopping,” allowed Radaris to change its corporate structure and avoid accountability for violating Daniel’s Law.
The judge ultimately ruled in favor of Atlas, ordering the transfer of multiple domains, including radaris.com, to the plaintiffs. While Radaris’s attorney, Val Gurvits, initially claimed that the company had been unfairly targeted, he later conceded that his clients had indeed employed a fictitious CEO’s name and issued press releases quoting this individual.
The outcome of this case sends a clear message: data brokers cannot continue to ignore requests for removal or exploit loopholes in online privacy laws. As Atlas Data Privacy Corp president Matt Adkisson noted, “Behind the scenes, it felt like a shell game. Defense lawyers told the court that certain entities merely operated the domains and were the proper parties to sue.” This case serves as a reminder that companies must take online privacy seriously and respect the rights of individuals to have their personal information removed from public view.
In practical terms, this ruling offers a glimmer of hope for those seeking to protect their online identities. While it may not be possible to prevent data brokers like Radaris from emerging in the future, the courts are increasingly holding these companies accountable for violating online privacy laws. Individuals who have been affected by Radaris or other data broker companies can now take steps to protect themselves: be vigilant about monitoring online presence and request removal of personal information if necessary. By taking control of their own online identity, individuals can help prevent further exploitation by data brokers like Radaris.
Source: Krebs on Security — 2026-09-16