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The irony is that if instead of passing legislation to try and "protect users/citizens from their own lack of understanding", a government would instead invest
by mnsc 8y ago
The irony is that if instead of passing legislation to try and "protect users/citizens from their own lack of understanding", a government would instead invest heavily in educating their users/citizens on privacy matters in order to minimize the unknowing populace, i.e. the "fodder" for shady data selling companies (like Facebook/Google). Then you would have companies arguing undue interference with their businesses (I don't know the correct term). And my guess is that's the way big companies prefer it since they can lobby easier when it's not laws but instead "education initiatives" and other fuzzy programs. And they could also counter-invest heavily in another set of "public education programs" where they could try to inform the users/citizens about how valuable they are when they don't understand/care about how their data is monetized. And with the advertising power/know-how these companies wield that match would be easily won against some random government propaganda.
I could imagine a major ad campaing where this question is posted all over the city:
"What ethical boundaries do you think are being overstepped through advertising?
Think for yourselves, don't let the government tell you what to think!
Sincerly, your friends the advertising business"
That's a hard fucking question for me to answer concisely, so I wont do that. Sry.
- ThomPete 8y agoFacebook don't sell data they sell access to customers based on data. Thats a very important distinction.
- facetube 8y agoAnd that provides a profiling oracle that can be used to determine data about individuals. Once they interact, you know. It's not even difficult to pull off.
- ThomPete 8y agoYes just like your Safeway loyalty card or your credit card uses the data you give. Or you voting and comments on this website is used to determine how to treat you here. Or the analytical data you have on your website. Or amazon. Are you going to stop using all these services that track you some way or another? Most digital companies wouldn't exist if they weren't allowed to use the data. So instead of just blanket calling it something it isn't and something that certainly isn't unique to FB or Google why not actually discuss the fundamentals rather than scapegoting someone just because they are some of the most successful.
- facetube 8y ago> Most digital companies wouldn't exist if they weren't allowed to use the data This is a statement you're not possibly able to prove, and you've even left "the data" open, so you can quibble about the definition in future replies (despite the GDPR clearly giving one). Terminating replies here due to the gross intellectual dishonesty; have a great night.
- cyphar 8y agoGDPR doesn't scapegoat anyone, it applies to anyone interacting with the EU or operating in the EU. The reason why Google/Facebook/Amazon are being mentioned is because they are the most obvious (and prolific) violators of user privacy. If we spent all our time mentioning all of the companies which violate user privacy on a systemic basis, we would never be able to get to the argument. > Most digital companies wouldn't exist if they weren't allowed to use the data. GDPR does not deny you the right to use user data, it regulates usage. This is such a ridiculous strawman that it doesn't even classify as a fallacy, it's just simply a lie. > Are you going to stop using all these services that track you some way or another? (I have stopped using many of the services you mentioned, but you're actually touching on the reason why regulation is necessary.) It is unreasonable to tell the general public they should stop using the internet if they want to maintain their privacy and dignity. And that's why there need to be regulations to provide protections for the general public when using a technology that is so central to the modern world.
- ThomPete 8y agoAgain. "Violators on users privacy" in what way? You present this as if it's a fact, it's not it's an interpretation. That's the lie here. You are still using them one of the biggest users of personal data your ISP and that's a service you pay for. Don't pretend you are stating facts when you are just stating you personal opinion.
- facetube 8y agoViolations as defined in statute by the GDPR, which applies to anyone who collects PII on people within the EU. The ISP thing? I'd expect EU VPNs to start selling pretty well.
- mcguire 8y agoOnce upon a time, someone similarly pointed out that, if "they" wanted to improve vehicle safety, rather than mandating seat belts, air bags, and antilock brakes, they should just put an 8" long, razor sharp spike in the middle of the steering wheel---to make the dangers obvious. The current state of data privacy doesn't even include the spike. As you point out, education is a fine idea, but it isn't going to work if there is a major industry based on it not working.