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You forgot another vector of how companies monetize user data: using it to train ML models. You don't need to keep the data long-term (though it would be more
by spaced-out 7y ago
You forgot another vector of how companies monetize user data: using it to train ML models.
You don't need to keep the data long-term (though it would be more profitable if you could). You can still get a lot of value using the data to train an ML model, then use that model to build valuable decision-making systems, which few other companies could produce.
- shantly 7y agoOh, yeah, definitely that should also be illegal. If you want to train an ML model you should have to pay directly for that data, not in connection with any other service or product. The current system means every successful monopolist is also a de facto nigh-unassailable leader in ML, which clearly sucks. "Create or buy a massive spying service" shouldn't be a necessary step 1 to realistically competing in consumer- and human-focused ML.
- spaced-out 7y agoI disagree, many times the very reason I gave the company my data was to leverage their ML capabilities. For example, the only reason I gave LinkedIn my data was so they could find me better jobs. No one would have bothered if it were just a glossier version of Craigslist. Plus, banks training models for fraud detection has an obvious benefit to everyone.