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Meta wants EU users to apply for permission to opt out of data collection

arstechnica.com

31–40 of 241 posts

Re: Meta wants EU users to apply for permission to opt out of data collection

#31
post #27

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think data collection on the scale of what Meta is doing should just be illegal altogether, or at the very least it should be mandated as opt-in with the opt-in process being filled with warnings and never being the easiest way to get rid of a banner. It should be hidden away under a menu and there should be no banner at all. The dark patterns used to trick people into opting in need to end. I religiously opt out o…

If I see a pop-up, especially from "OneTrust", I immediately close the tab and re-open the site in Private/Incognito mode. There are some sites I just reflexively open that way. "Ars Technica" is but one example.

This includes the permission to link your behavior across "devices"? Iirc, it is quite trivial to link one Private-mode session to another.

Re: Meta wants EU users to apply for permission to opt out of data collection

#32

Looks like the flow of stupid ideas coming from FB didn't stop at the metaverse Yeah sure I will fill a form to "opt-out" and I'm sure that the DP authorities will be fine with it

I don't see it as stupid. I see it as an intentional delay tactic to maneuver around a regulator which, so far, acts far too slowly and imposes weak fines in response to flagrant privacy lawbreaking.

As long as Facebook can treat the fines as a cost of doing business they're happy. That, and as long as their (bullshit) value proposition of personalising ads by collecting as much personal data as possible is unaffected.

Re: Meta wants EU users to apply for permission to opt out of data collection

#33
post #3

What about the 15 years of behavioural data they already hold? Can we request that is deleted?

No, that is already part of the software framework with which the palantir-cattlerattlers drive the large crowd along the "golden path" on the scenario tree.

The cattle does not get to object, reject it or vote on it. The wellfare of the rancher is all that matters and any attempt to disucss that or just turn around, will just "never work out" because of unavoidable infighting. But dont worry, we are not in chicago yet.

Who could have imagined, that stripping your brain naked would make you hackable and controllable, thus turning you into a organic component with an API for behavioural crowd simulations.

deMoohCrazy has begone! And all that is a best-case-scenario.

Re: Meta wants EU users to apply for permission to opt out of data collection

#34
post #20

Earlier quoted context omitted.

GDPR obliges them to delete your data upon request. But I'm not sure how well Facebook/Meta complies with this. This post from 4 years ago doesn't sound encouraging: https://ruben.verborgh.org/facebook/ Does anyone know if they've improved since then?

I'd deleted my Facebook account years before, but after that begrudgingly signed up to Facebook Messenger because my friends insisted on using it (which are separate accounts apparently). At some point, a couple of years ago, I decided enough was enough (probably when they forced me to accept some new anti-privacy EULA which otherwise blocked me from using Messenger Lite). There was no delete account option in the ap…

If you have documentation about your process (which the email sent to their DPO should be enough) get in contact with the Data Protection Agency of your country for them to start procedures on your behalf.

I've got some help from Sweden's IMY for a similar case, asked for the removal of my data by emailing a GDPR template, got no answer and no resolution by the company in a few months and contacted IMY who solved it (and fined them).

Re: Meta wants EU users to apply for permission to opt out of data collection

#35
Ars Technica is not much better. Here are the "always active" non-choices from their own GDPR pop-up ("Powered by OneTrust"). That is to say, you cannot opt-out of these:

  Match and combine offline data sources: Always Active
  Link different devices: Always Active
  Receive and use automatically-sent device characteristics for identification: Always Active
  Ensure security, prevent fraud, and debug: Always Active
  Technically deliver ads or content: Always Active
If you don't open their "show purposes" window and "Confirm my choices" from that window, then you are also agreeing to:

  Store and/or access information on a device
  Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development
  Use precise geolocation data
  Actively scan device characteristics for identification

Re: Meta wants EU users to apply for permission to opt out of data collection

#36
post #27

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think data collection on the scale of what Meta is doing should just be illegal altogether, or at the very least it should be mandated as opt-in with the opt-in process being filled with warnings and never being the easiest way to get rid of a banner. It should be hidden away under a menu and there should be no banner at all. The dark patterns used to trick people into opting in need to end. I religiously opt out o…

If I see a pop-up, especially from "OneTrust", I immediately close the tab and re-open the site in Private/Incognito mode. There are some sites I just reflexively open that way. "Ars Technica" is but one example.

Closing the tab is good, but is it safe to assume, that they wont use fingerprinting, to map your "consent" (more like extortion) to future visits? Also they would still be tracking your incognito browser, if fingerprint is unique?

Re: Meta wants EU users to apply for permission to opt out of data collection

#37
post #34
post #20

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'd deleted my Facebook account years before, but after that begrudgingly signed up to Facebook Messenger because my friends insisted on using it (which are separate accounts apparently). At some point, a couple of years ago, I decided enough was enough (probably when they forced me to accept some new anti-privacy EULA which otherwise blocked me from using Messenger Lite). There was no delete account option in the ap…

If you have documentation about your process (which the email sent to their DPO should be enough) get in contact with the Data Protection Agency of your country for them to start procedures on your behalf. I've got some help from Sweden's IMY for a similar case, asked for the removal of my data by emailing a GDPR template, got no answer and no resolution by the company in a few months and contacted IMY who solved it…

I unfortunately can't find the emails anywhere, I'll probably try again and keep proper documentation this time.

Re: Meta wants EU users to apply for permission to opt out of data collection

#38

Looks like the flow of stupid ideas coming from FB didn't stop at the metaverse Yeah sure I will fill a form to "opt-out" and I'm sure that the DP authorities will be fine with it

I don't see it as stupid. I see it as an intentional delay tactic to maneuver around a regulator which, so far, acts far too slowly and imposes weak fines in response to flagrant privacy lawbreaking. As long as Facebook can treat the fines as a cost of doing business they're happy. That, and as long as their (bullshit) value proposition of personalising ads by collecting as much personal data as possible is unaffecte…

Yeah it definitely makes sense from their side. But trying to spite the regulation can definitely backfire

Re: Meta wants EU users to apply for permission to opt out of data collection

#40
post #22
post #12

This is still a bit insane to me. If I understand correct, you have to fill a form with a justification why you object, and then Meta will decide if you can be removed from the detailed data collection ? Privacy is a basic human right, and the strawman argument of "Well don't just use their services then" is ridiculous with their influence. Also them touting to "connected the world" When in reality is "connecting to…

In terms of Facebook where I live, "Well don't just use their services then" is simply impossible. Almost all of my kids' sports activities and parent groups are on WhatsApp, I have to use it.

Even without the privacy issues it is insane that you are forced to do business with certain corporations in order to fully participate in society. But most people don't care or open alternatives would be more popular.
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