A lot of people are up in arms about this article about Facebook’s (and Google’s) data aggregation. I think these issues are quite important, and people should read stories like these. However, I think people are getting a little too scared over it.
I think we should write intelligent legislation that forces companies to divulge, in an easy to find and use manner, what information they’ve mind about us, and where they got it. But, I don’t think we need to get too freaked out, yet. We should, however, worry about Congress writing such legislation the wrong way. We risk another SOPA. I’m curious if Europe’s legislation is effective in the eyes of its citizens.
Although some items in this Op-Ed are scary, the truth is most of them are outliers. The other trouble is most of the situations named—most disturbingly, the AMEX piece—go uncited. Where can I read more about that alleged incident? Where did AMEX get personally-identifiable information about that customer? It’s common when new techniques become available, some organizations use them well, and some use them nefariously. But, if you want to use products and services for free, in exchange for viewing advertising, you’re accepting the terms of that agreement. If you don’t agree with those terms, you should not use the service.
Personally, if I have to put up with ads, I’d prefer them to be about things I am interested in. Ideally, the best form of advertising for company and individual are those where their interests are aligned. If ads could tell me about the newest bike and drum gear, as opposed to ads about feminine hygiene, that’s a win for me. Have you ever read a piece you’ve found valuable on a company’s blog? That’s almost perfect advertising. It’s also a win for the advertiser, and for the organization that brings us together. That’s the ideal.
If we can build the system the right way, we can achieve that without compromising our privacy. But, as with every new thing, it’ll take time to get that balance right. All involved should proceed cautiously. I think Facebook and Google both want to do right by both individuals and advertisers. Keeping both happy keeps both coming back and that keeps revenues coming in.
3 months ago