>> The ban applies to both oral and written inquiries, whether they’re made directly by an employer or through an agent.

So employers can't ask job applicants, but they can still ask Equifax, right? Your current employer may be sharing your salary with Equifax. (There is no law preventing employers from doing so.) Equifax offers various services using the salary info shared by your employer. For more info see: https://www.theworknumber.com/