> To me, this question is asking, "Is there a difference between a data collection algorithm whose primary goal is to help me, and a data collection algorithm w

> To me, this question is asking, "Is there a difference between a data collection algorithm whose primary goal is to help me, and a data collection algorithm whose primary goal is to profit off of me?" Unfortunately you are describing a choice between A and B. And B does not exist. It would not make a profit, and therefore nothing short of the government providing better search can make it happen, paid for by taxes (Google's operating budget is ~$80 billion dollars, which would have to come out of your taxes). We both know we don't want that to happen, so ... Given that you're describing a choice between A (for profit recommendations) and nothing, there is but one choice. Well, there's 2: data collection algorithms that profit "off of you" or no data collection algorithms at all. No context sensitive search, regular lingerie of the wrong gender on your amazon frontpage, baby diapers on the front page of walmart.com when you've long since retired, ...