4 ms·

I can choose not to use/give meaningful data to Google and Facebook, but I don't get to opt out of elected government. I agree with GPP that the 2 aren't reall

• coldtea 9y ago
  >I can choose not to use/give meaningful data to Google and Facebook Between Google Ads on tons of site, their Google Analytics in tons of sites, your friends sharing stuff, photos etc with you on Facebook, your friends receiving your messages on their Gmail account, and the several other (differently branded) services they own, not to mention sites hosted by them on GAE and such, sites serving you Google Web Fonts, etc, you don't really have much choice... Especially with Google being the only game in town for quality search results.
  • mattnewton 9y ago
    If you are willing to trade some convenience for privacy from private companies, it is doable. You cannot make such a trade with the government. I agree it is hard (and often infringed upon by friends who can trade your privacy without your consent), but it is possible to a degree and that makes the distinction really important. By all means though, let's regulate the internet giants to make it even easier. But I don't subscribe to the opinion that the battle is already lost, or that these moderately powerful companies have the same potential effect on our lives as our government.