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Sure, but considering GitHub doesn't have advertising[1], and they're not sending it to a third party (like Google, who does), it's very hard to imagine any use
by ocdtrekkie 6y ago
Sure, but considering GitHub doesn't have advertising[1], and they're not sending it to a third party (like Google, who does), it's very hard to imagine any use for first party "tracking" that might harm you.
Presumably the most they're using this for is recommending potentially interesting repos to you.
[1] Potential concern would be if "Microsoft" was considered "their own", since Bing does have an ad network. But my guess is between still having separate accounts and being treated as separate companies, that is not the case here... yet.
- derivagral 6y agoRemember that they have LinkedIn as well, and quite possibly could put together a fascinating view of software job profiles, candidates, and repo language/activity to gain value entirely within their own organization. Something like LinkedIn recruitment recommendations improved with GitHub contribution activity might be a fascinating recruitment product: ads are not the only way to gain value.
- ocdtrekkie 6y agoYeah, I think my comment is still applicable as is: The risk here is entirely dependent on whether or not "first party" means "GitHub" or means "Microsoft and it's various properties". My guess is that, at least, for now, it refers to GitHub, as you agree to GitHub's Terms of Service, which doesn't actually mention Microsoft as a party.
- ballenf 6y agoI get ads on GH homepage for open positions. They seem targeted to me or maybe I just notice the relevant ones.
- yuhong 6y agoThis reminds me of https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draft:Effects_of_the_2007-2008_financial_crisis_on_Google https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draft:Effects_of_the_2007-2008...
- gman83 6y agoWait, Google isn't sharing your analytics data with any third parties.
- ocdtrekkie 6y agoGoogle usually is the third party, when people are talking about analytics. GitHub removed third party analytics, like Google. And while Google keeps it's data horde on you to itself, it definitely sells access to you in numerous harmful ways.