What is the difference between scraping and enrichment?

Scraping and enrichment are distinct data collection methods with different implications.

Scraping:

Automated extraction of data from websites

Pulls information without explicit permission from the platform

Often violates websites' terms of service

May breach computer fraud laws depending on jurisdiction

Legal battles ongoing (LinkedIn v. hiQ Labs and similar cases)

Enrichment:

Adding data to records you already possess

Typically uses APIs or databases to append company info, titles, or contact details

Starts with existing data (like company domain) and expands it

Less legally contentious than scraping but still requires compliance analysis

Legal nuances:

Both create data processing under GDPR

Public availability doesn't automatically permit commercial use

Enrichment combining multiple sources may reveal more than intended

Documentation of data sources and lawful basis is essential

The method of collection matters, but so does what you do with the data afterward.