At EFF we were arguing with Google about their permanent collection of user data early (I joined in 2005, and we already were putting pressure on them then). Wh

At EFF we were arguing with Google about their permanent collection of user data early (I joined in 2005, and we already were putting pressure on them then). Whenever we asked, said they were sure it would come in useful for improving their services. Google just institutionally strongly believed in the value of data. I sometimes wonder if the form of our current machine-learning boom is actually based on that conviction and the determined search for applications, rather than modern AI being a vindication of that strategy. A bit like Moore's Law: is it an iron rule of technology, or just a way to coordinate a huge amount of resources across an industry?