MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Legitimate interest

Ron100 · 05-19-2021, 10:03 AM

I like to think of myself as reasonably savvy in relation to the internet and data security.
I don't do as much as I should but I'm pretty careful without going overboard.

I don't mind registering devices, I have no problem with DRM in principle, just it's awful implementation.

One thing driving me nuts lately though is 'legitimate interest'.

It appears to me simply an end run around GDPR regulations, I'm happy to be proven wrong - examples though please as I'm a simple guy.

Using MR as an example -
I choose to visit, register, and it's value to me far outweighs any possible data risk from providing an email address.
I see adverts relating to my browsing history,no problem with that as I've never and would never use an affiliate link to make any online purchase anyway.
What little if any revenue the site receives from the minimal data I provide probably goes towards hosting anyway, happy with that.

On the other hand, say I'm lured onto a 'news' site or even a major newspaper website.
I've clicked to read say, a sports article.
So how on earth can say, Ford Motors or L'Oreal cosmetics possibly have any 'legitimate interest' in my data?
Or more accurately, one of the seemingly hundreds of advertising/marketing companies that partner with most websites these days?

I've visited the site for the sole purpose of reading this imaginary sports article so unless the partner in question is in the business of sports I don't see any correlation or legitimate interest.

Even more annoying is should I choose not to consent, I often then have to remove 'legitimate interest' from dozens if not hundreds of partners before eventually getting to my article.

I just don't see how a marketing company's or a retailer's interest can automatically override my refusal. In my mind their only interest is in making cash by any means possible, I don't see where their 'legitimate' interest comes into it. Interested sure, but legitimately?

Thoughts, Examples, Arguments Anyone?

05-19-2021, 10:03 AM	#1
Ron100 Enthusiast Posts: 29 Karma: 25132 Join Date: May 2021 Device: Kindle Voyage, Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Mini	Legitimate interest - explain please I like to think of myself as reasonably savvy in relation to the internet and data security. I don't do as much as I should but I'm pretty careful without going overboard. I don't mind registering devices, I have no problem with DRM in principle, just it's awful implementation. One thing driving me nuts lately though is 'legitimate interest'. It appears to me simply an end run around GDPR regulations, I'm happy to be proven wrong - examples though please as I'm a simple guy. Using MR as an example - I choose to visit, register, and it's value to me far outweighs any possible data risk from providing an email address. I see adverts relating to my browsing history,no problem with that as I've never and would never use an affiliate link to make any online purchase anyway. What little if any revenue the site receives from the minimal data I provide probably goes towards hosting anyway, happy with that. On the other hand, say I'm lured onto a 'news' site or even a major newspaper website. I've clicked to read say, a sports article. So how on earth can say, Ford Motors or L'Oreal cosmetics possibly have any 'legitimate interest' in my data? Or more accurately, one of the seemingly hundreds of advertising/marketing companies that partner with most websites these days? I've visited the site for the sole purpose of reading this imaginary sports article so unless the partner in question is in the business of sports I don't see any correlation or legitimate interest. Even more annoying is should I choose not to consent, I often then have to remove 'legitimate interest' from dozens if not hundreds of partners before eventually getting to my article. I just don't see how a marketing company's or a retailer's interest can automatically override my refusal. In my mind their only interest is in making cash by any means possible, I don't see where their 'legitimate' interest comes into it. Interested sure, but legitimately? Thoughts, Examples, Arguments Anyone?