ZoomInfo - Your personal information and how to opt-out
What is ZoomInfo?
ZoomInfo is a business-to-business (B2B) software and intelligence company that provides data to organizations looking to enhance their marketing and sales. They specifically collect data on people and companies that could be targeted as potential customers for ZoomInfo clients. By acquiring this data, ZoomInfo claims that they "can help companies understand their ideal customers and target companies who visit their websites."
ZoomInfo is not related to Zoom Workplace.
UW-Madison has no relationship to ZoomInfo.
Is ZoomInfo a phishing scam?
No. According to their website, ZoomInfo collects and distributes only business-related personal information like the following:
- Name
- Profile picture associated with your professional profile
- Telephone number (general or direct business numbers, faxes, and/or mobile numbers)
- Email address, including business and/or other email addresses (including “freemails” such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc.)
- Job title and department
- Office address
- Company name
- Work history
- Educational history
- Professional affiliations
- Links to social media profiles
- Links to articles by, about, or quoting you (also known as "web references”)
- Inferences drawn from personal data in these categories
They do not collect or share "sensitive information like browser history, health or financial information," or any other similarly personal information about an individual. They are also in compliance with "all relevant data protection and privacy laws," including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Certain limited personal information in professional profiles may also be made publicly available in ZoomInfo's directory pages, which is open access to anyone who visits them. "Limited personal information" could include the following:
- Name
- Company
- Telephone number for company headquarters
- Office address
- Job title
- Educational history
- Work history
- Professional affiliations
- Web references
Direct contact information, such as direct phone line, mobile number, or email addresses, are not provided in the directory pages.
What is a "Personal Information Notice"?
If ZoomInfo has collected, processed, or sold certain personal information about you, the company will send you a specific email known as a "Personal Information Notice." This is a formal report intended to notify you about how your personal information is being used and distributed.
Is my information safe with ZoomInfo?
"While ZoomInfo is a legitimate company, it has been rated negatively by the Better Business Bureau, and is the subject of multiple lawsuits and other complaints concerning how it collects, uses and sells personal data, which may then be leveraged by third parties to create highly specific phishing emails. We advise you to consider how your data will be collected and used before sharing it with this company" (Brown University)
When it comes to the company use of your personal information, you have certain rights:
- You have the right to request that ZoomInfo provides you with access to your personal information
- You have the right to change or update your personal information
- You have the right to have your personal information erased
- You have the right to restrict processing of your personal information
- This includes refraining the company from selling your information or otherwise providing it to any third parties.
- You have the right to object to processing.
- You have the right to object to data portability.
- You have the right to lodge a complaint with the appropriate supervisory authority in your country, if any.
- You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time if ZoomInfo is processing your biometric information in connection with your use of our products or services.
Note: The foregoing rights may be subject to certain limitations pursuant to applicable law.
How do I remove my data from ZoomInfo's database?
You can opt out of ZoomInfo's database by submitting a Removal Request or by visiting their Trust Center. At the Trust Center, you can also submit an access request or claim your professional business profile in order to make updates to your information.
You can also contact the company directly via phone or email to remove your information from their database:
For more information on ZoomInfo's privacy policy, click here.