What if we made data mining illegal?

Question

Basically companies like Facebook and Google and Amazon would not be allowed to sell your personal information to third-party customers to advertise to you. I don’t think company should be allowed to do this I think it should be illegal your thoughts

RavVid · Accepted Answer

Well first of all I have to say they aren't very good at it. Or more correctly those using google advertising aren't

I bought a balcony table and then for quite some time later I got adds for balcony tables including from the supplier I bought from. Idiots. How many balcony tables do they think I'll buy. I took some pleasure in that they were wasting their google advertising dollar and punishing themselves for their own stupidity.

Second point is that it can be helpful and reduce my effort. eg I was interested in a balcony awning and immediately I got ads targeted at that. Didn't have to do as much googling.

Thirdly I have to acknowledge that we get a lot of free stuff because of the advertising revenue. Webmail, cloud storage that we would otherwise have to pay subscriptions. I particularly like a lot of youtube content and never watch free to air TV.

Finally as I like to say, in these days of Business Intelligence we need Consumer Counter Intelligence. It is a bit away from your topic but related.

OK girlfriend crashed her car and of course insurance went up with the brand new car. Eventually I offered to help her find cheaper insurance and used web sites of the premium companies. Oh boy did I find out a lot!

Initially I couldn't figure out how they wanted me to enter the apartment number and picked one of twenty in a drop down box. Then I did figure it out and was surprised the premium went up by $300 dollars! Retried for nearby apartments and yes at my apartment specifically and the premium was cheaper at every other apartment by $300 dollars.

My suspicious mind was triggered and during a call to the company it was admitted that my address was on the bad risk address database because there was a write off associated with it. And yes if you move into a new address you could end up paying for some one else accident because you are at a bad risk address.

So I spent the weekend getting online quote after online quote. The sister brand of the previous company wasn't sharing bad risk addresses so that took of the $300 accident penalty. But I didn't stop there. Adding her parents as nominated drivers took off another $100 dollars (because they were older safer risks). Found a few other factors to fiddle with.

Then I called the company because chatting up sales girls, 'Oh you have a lovely voice', saves you money. That's because they have a discretionary discount they can give to charming guys to get the sale. Another $150 reduction.

The next year the sister company was sharing bad risk addresses so the price went back up and parents weren't worth anything any more but there were other things that worked and managed to get it a bit lower nonetheless.

So I tend to think if I am doing Consumer Counter Intelligence then it is only fair for them to do Data Mining and Business Intelligence. In fact it is essential that they do because what I am looking for is a company that is smart in a way that benefits me or dumb in a way that benefits me. And sometimes it take being smart to be dumb.

:)

WindAtMyBack · Accepted Answer

I wish they would make it illegal. The business of companies like Google and FB are all about violating people's rights. I'd like to see both of them completely shut down. They shouldn't be allowed to collect it in the first place, let alone sell it.

The EU tried to curtail it, but from what I've heard it doesn't do much good.

Then there are companies like Avast who have inside and very detailed info about you. They've been busted multiple times for violating people's rights. They have been busted selling literally every click you make online, including the exact timestamp. They claim it doesn't contain identifying info, but it does - the time stamp is identifying when compared to other data.

AmandaYVR · Accepted Answer

Absolutely, it should not be legal.

Unfortunately all of these 'free' services we use are not free. We are the product. And that is a high price to pay, in the end.

But I would support any legislation that made this unlawful. Big tech is way too big.

Subarugirl · Accepted Answer

If you don’t want your data mined then don’t agree to it

ITConsultancyInUSA · Answer

Making data mining illegal is a complex and multifaceted proposition that raises numerous ethical, legal, and practical questions. While there are valid concerns about data privacy and the potential misuse of personal information, an outright ban on data mining would have significant implications for businesses, research, and technological advancement. Instead of an outright ban, it is more productive to advocate for soulutions that strike a balance between protecting individual privacy and fostering innovation.

Data mining, when used responsibly, can have many positive impacts. It plays a crucial role in various industries, from healthcare and finance to marketing and scientific research. By collecting and analyzing data, organizations can improve their services, make informed decisions, and drive efficiency. Banning data mining could stifle innovation, hinder scientific progress, and limit economic growth.

The soulilution to this dilemma is to establish and enforce robust data protection regulations and privacy laws. These regulations should prioritize the rights of individuals to control their personal data while allowing responsible data mining practices to continue. Such regulations can include requirements for informed consent, data anonymization, transparency, and the right to be forgotten.

Ultimately, a complete ban on data mining may not be the most soulful solution. Instead, we should strive to strike a balance between individual privacy and the potential benefits of responsible data mining through thoughtful regulation, ethical practices, and informed decision-making. This approach would ensure that data mining continues to drive progress while respecting the rights and privacy of individuals.

For More Info - soulilution*com

Kaneki05 · Answer

That don't make sense why would something be illegal that you willingly consent to? If you don't want that to happen don't use such things that get you to accept all cause when you do that's you actively saying your okay with it, longs if it allows you to use that thing.

Guy13 · Answer

They already have it. And buy cellular data... They have been spying since 75 with the IBM super computers. Just now, it is a Business. The same privacy violation has been there since Radio Shack computers... And all the Nationalized Apps-China has one Russia has one They got your data too.

Anonymous · Answer

There's a price to be paid with having things convenient. Used to be... a man had to go to the store to buy himself a pitcher of milk. Hyeah, but men got lazy. They wanted that milk delivered right to the door. Only problem was, the guy deliverin' that milk end sup fuckin' your wife. Sure, you had your nice cold milk delivered right to your doorstep, but your wife was gettin' pounded out like a mallard duck. And now you got your Amazon. And the milkman's come back. And none of ya are safe

bean2k21 · Answer

Lawmakers, in my opinion, have zero business passing laws related to the use of technology. If you want a better government, then hire engineers to represent you, not a bunch of bozos making laws about things they don't understand.

normalice · Answer

Well, it's communism for the state to control private companies like that. Of course I'm all for it, but am a little surprised you are.

jshm2 · Answer

You're not the brightest, it seems. Selling data has been big business since the 50's before Internet was even a thing. How do you think market segmentation, and ad revenue work?

John_Doesnt · Answer

Then they would just do it in secret and there would be no government oversight. You would never stop them from mining your personal data. It's better to just regulate it. Also, if you don't like it then don't give away your personal data.

Adam1978 · Answer

You can't do that because in essence you would make internet illegal. Because you can't really define data mining as something only trackers do.

FilmGuy93 · Answer

I don't like that idea. We would have to incur the cost of using the services then.

In_Trance · Answer

The opposite of control is not chaos.  More laws don't make fewer criminals

TomatoSoup · Answer

You would have to use those platforms by subscription or donation. Internet would be lacking a major profit driven motive to itself.

What if we made data mining illegal?

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Should we have more laws restricting how internet companies can collect your data?

What if we made data mining illegal?

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Should we have more laws restricting how internet companies can collect your data?

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