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

arstechnica.com

191–200 of 241 posts

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

#191

Earlier quoted context omitted.

And to be honest, I realize that, and I'm absolutely fine with it. Maybe some won't be, but the path of idealism isn't always the most convenient.

Taking the consequences works fine if you're not responsible for anyone but yourself. "Sorry kids, you aren't going to your friends parties or playing sports with them because my ideals conflict with your reality" is not a tenable position.

> Taking the consequences works fine if you're not responsible for anyone but yourself.

Yeah, definitely. I'm just responsible for myself. The day I have to be responsible for others, I'll just immigrate to a country where everybody uses Telegram haha.

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

#192
post #83
post #22

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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 if you avoid it their trackers are on so many sites that its very hard to not have them collect data on you. Even after opting out I doubt they can actually follow through and not know anything about you.

Not only sites. Many iOS and Andriod apps send data to FB.

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

#193
post #85

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Are there any indications that paying for Meta Verified opts you out of their data collection, since you've given them money instead?

I see, you were referring to Meta specifically. Your statement doesn't generalise though.

Are there any incentives for companies to not collect data about their paying users? Who is even doing this?

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

#194
post #181

In a world where Meta uses user cookies to run targeted advertising: Users see ads they're interested in, and experience no other downsides from that targeting. In a world where Meta doesn't use cookies to run targeted advertising: Users see lowest common denominator boring ads. None of their life is different in any other way, there's no harm they avoided. This whole issue is baseless. If the EU wants to purposefull…

What terrible bait, like I'm speaking directly to a man who's sold ads for three decades. "Boring" ads? No one wants to be served ads that manipulate them with "fun" (and we know that what you really mean is "serve the most attention-stealing customer-conversion media"). I won't believe that people consume digital ads by the Meta corporation for fun.

Damn, I called it terrible but it worked. Oh well

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

#196
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.

"Have to" is quite strong isn't it. It is a bit hard to believe. Okay, do what I do if there's something you don't use often and you don't trust it: install it in a VM and spin it up only as necessary.

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

#197
post #22

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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.

"Have to" is quite strong isn't it. It is a bit hard to believe. Okay, do what I do if there's something you don't use often and you don't trust it: install it in a VM and spin it up only as necessary.

Jesus christ. What about a random person who doesn't have the tech know-how to do that? Should they just give up on privacy? Privacy is a human right, not a technologically-advanced-person right.

And before anyone says "Well, sucks to not know basic tech stuff", consider the fact that in a world where no-one has privacy, the person using Facebook from a VM is eminently more trackable than in a world where privacy is enforced globally.

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

#198

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Yes, I continue to use WhatsApp because I have fear of missing out. Missing out on conversations from my extended family, friends (only about 1/4 use Signal and all groups are on WhatsApp), work (the Health Service in Ireland literally runs on WhatsApp), voluntary undertakings (all of which are organised on WhatsApp), organising stuff for the kids (again all on WhatsApp). So it's a valid fear based on the reality in…

> the Health Service in Ireland literally runs on WhatsApp What do you mean? I live in Ireland and no health professional has ever contacted me via WhatsApp.

It's not public-facing. WhatsApp is the primary means of communication for HSE staff (and most of the public service).

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

#199
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…

Yeah that does sound insane. I still think not using their services really is the better option though...

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

#200
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.

They do in my area as well, I just refused and some are starting to use other means again.
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