Right now, somewhere, a company you’ve never talked to — maybe never even heard of — might be deciding whether you get a loan, an apartment, or even how long you spend in prison.

We already know the power of algorithms to shape what we see and who we talk to on social media. But that’s just the surface. Algorithms are deeply embedded in dozens of other industries and often make decisions with life-changing impacts. And they rely on data they get from data brokers.

But how does it work? What exactly is the role of data brokers in feeding these algorithms? What are the real-world consequences of this shadowy business? And most important: What can we do to ensure fairness and accountability, especially as we hurtle toward a future in which AI-driven decision-making grows exponentially?