Earlier quoted context omitted.
It sounds like you’re not aware of the news in the last decade or so. Very little chance there is no data monetization going on. Would not be profitable without it.
I agree, there probably is data monetization. That doesn't change the fact that the site doesn't appear to be asking for, or getting, any additional data beyond that provided by default by all web browsers, or that necessary to provide the service. If additionally intrusive data gathering was happening, that would justify an article at this level of alarm. As it is, without additional research or evidence, this is wi…
- Yes, providing a service that isn't necessary! :-D
- But you can't realistically shop here without,
- Because we decided it's profitable to sell your whereabouts, cross-device phone, email, car data, and financial details to advertisers. So we're forcing you.
I don't think it mentions in the article, but the system takes a photo of your car with you in it and does OCR on the license plates. That's how it identifies you.
Convenience is a tossup, strictly worse for new users, and the cost is higher. Old system was a free/validated anonymous ticket that worked just fine. When a system is forced on people that is 98% to the advantage of a business and 2% to the customer, people are rightly going to get upset.