Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, what must be provided to consumers before sharing their information with affiliates?

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), it is essential to provide consumers with a clear and conspicuous disclosure before sharing their information with affiliates. This requirement is in place to ensure that consumers are adequately informed about how their personal data may be shared, which promotes transparency and allows individuals to make informed decisions regarding their privacy.

The notion of a "clear and conspicuous disclosure" emphasizes that the communication must be easily noticeable and understandable. It should not be hidden within lengthy documents or in fine print, enabling consumers to fully grasp what information is being shared, with whom, and for what purpose. This empowers consumers to exercise their rights regarding their personal data and maintain control over their privacy.

The other options, while possibly related to various aspects of consumer rights and information handling, do not fulfill the specific legal requirement established by the FCRA concerning the sharing of information with affiliates. Annual reports may provide general financial information but would not cover the requirement for consumer consent; marketing materials do not serve the purpose of informing consumers of data sharing practices; and non-disclosure agreements typically pertain to business confidentiality rather than consumer data rights. Thus, the correct answer centers on the importance of clear communication regarding data sharing practices.