Opera’s founder calls for a ban on tracking on Facebook and Google • Hacker News Board

Re: Opera’s founder calls for a ban on tracking on Facebook and Google

#31

Post by tripzilch » Fri, May 26, 2017, 8:39 AM UTC

jrnichols wrote: post #27

TimJYoung wrote: post #9

I don't understand why people are so enamored of personalized ads. Advertising was around a long time before personalized ads were even a thing, yet it managed to still work by targeting publications that matched the target customer. This was accomplished by geographic location, for general consumer ads, or by interest, for targeted ads, B2B, etc.

I had targeted ads ruin a surprise gift last year. Bunch of ads showing up made it very obvious that I was looking at (and bought) a thinkgeek gift for the girlfriend. That was one of the moments that made me sick of such laser targeted advertising.

I don't get targeted ads because if I have to log on Google, I do it in a private window. Been doing it since forever, it's such a simple thing and no trouble.

Additionally my browser is set to clear cookies on exit, so even if I make a mistake, just turn it off and on again to wipe. I have exceptions set for the three sites I like to stay logged on to (via Page Info in Firefox).

(and simply no Facebook, obviously)

Re: Opera’s founder calls for a ban on tracking on Facebook and Google

#32

Post by tripzilch » Fri, May 26, 2017, 8:43 AM UTC

downandout wrote: post #21

bobajeff wrote: post #16

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Because it's an invasion of privacy. If you have a personal conversation to a friend about a party you had when you were five you don't expect to hear details referenced by a busker the next day at a park you frequent. Edit: I was arguing with no one.

It's an invasion of privacy that you agree to and receive valuable services (for free) in return for. Don't want to be tracked? Don't use Google or Facebook. Problem solved.

it's well known Facebook tracks even people without an account. there is no trade there.

Re: Opera’s founder calls for a ban on tracking on Facebook and Google

#33

Post by downandout » Fri, May 26, 2017, 7:15 PM UTC

bobajeff wrote: post #23

downandout wrote: post #21

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It's an invasion of privacy that you agree to and receive valuable services (for free) in return for. Don't want to be tracked? Don't use Google or Facebook. Problem solved.

I'm pretty sure no one who uses Google or Facebook is presented with a dialog that says 'This service is free in exchange for your privacy. Do you agree?' Even if that were the case the fact that both of those services are monopolies means that the choice is essentially between using public utilities or becoming Amish.

>I'm pretty sure no one who uses Google or Facebook is presented with a dialog that says 'This service is free in exchange for your privacy. Do you agree?'

That's pretty much exactly what happens. Have you read those TOS that you agree to? It's a contract...you should read it.

Re: Opera’s founder calls for a ban on tracking on Facebook and Google

#34

Post by downandout » Fri, May 26, 2017, 7:17 PM UTC

tripzilch wrote: post #32

downandout wrote: post #21

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It's an invasion of privacy that you agree to and receive valuable services (for free) in return for. Don't want to be tracked? Don't use Google or Facebook. Problem solved.

it's well known Facebook tracks even people without an account. there is no trade there.

If you don't like this, disable third party cookies on your browser. If you are concerned about privacy, you have to take some personal responsibility for it and do the things that are necessary to protect it.