Quote:
Originally Posted by gmw
^This.^ It is possible to have business collect only data needed to perform their service and then to discard or protect that data afterwards. But many people seem to have been convinced by big business that once they share their data with that business that the business is free to do whatever they want with it. That it's all or nothing. It does not have to be like that.
Software and online services can be written to offer privacy and security and convenience. Indeed there are some solutions growing out there (Vivaldi browser, ProtonMail and so on), but they struggle to help in an environment where the default is to collect private data.
That big business has people so convinced their way is the only way that many people have given up:
Their work is done. They have pacified the population so that most no longer expect any better. Great for them, it means that people believe them when they disclaim responsibility: "Aw shucks. You don't mind do you? After all, it was your choice to give it to us, you didn't have to do that."
It is possible for them to do better, but they will only bother to try if the demand is there.
|
Before the Internet, you had to give your info to the bank to get an account. You had to give your info to get a credit card. You had to give your info to your employer. You had to give your info to your doctor You had to give your info to the library to get a library card. You've had to give your info to lots of businesses to be able to live your life.
How is giving your info to Amazon, Apple, Google, and other big companies any different?
Personally, I've never had a problem with my info being out there. Once my bank contacted me and told me that one site where I used my card was hacked and they sent me a new card overnight. I was not inconvenienced at all.
I don't want to live in a cave. I just want to live my life and I do. If I was to be that paranoid about privacy, I may as well stop living.