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Why to care about privacy after years of sharing data

blog.thenewoil.org

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Re: Why to care about privacy after years of sharing data

#81

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Though I've not requested deletion, I've found HN's mod team exceptionally responsive in general. Have you actually tried to follow the process? Are you aware of any instances in which requests have been denied?

If I'm trying to keep my self anonymous-ish, Why do YOU think email is the best way to do that? This should be in-app as a request or an action I can self-execute. "Email us" is the New York Times model of "buy online, but deal with hours of phone-hell"

What would satisfy you?

What possible issues might that create?

What specifically is your issue with an email-based request?

You seem to be seeking opportunities to be unsatisfied. Those tend to be easy to find.

Re: Why to care about privacy after years of sharing data

#82

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You are just wrong. Some of your data such as health data stays constant throughout your life. Especially for guys living with chronic conditions. Your key identifiers stay the same too. E.g your phone number etc. These are then used to re-establish your advertising identity. This theory that old data declines in value couldn't be more wrong given that the "old" data is never deleted. Just waiting to find its origina…

That cherry-picks examples, phone numbers and chronic conditions. We can think of plenty more that change. (Even phone numbers change sometimes.)

Cherry picked examples are proof that the OP is wrong, at least to an extent, and that there exists data that doesn't change or changes slow enough to be re-tagged (and this poses the issue in question).

Proof of existence is enough to invalidate a claim of non-existence, even if it doesn't hold for any condition in the world.

Re: Why to care about privacy after years of sharing data

#83

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Though I've not requested deletion, I've found HN's mod team exceptionally responsive in general. Have you actually tried to follow the process? Are you aware of any instances in which requests have been denied?

If I'm trying to keep my self anonymous-ish, Why do YOU think email is the best way to do that? This should be in-app as a request or an action I can self-execute. "Email us" is the New York Times model of "buy online, but deal with hours of phone-hell"

HN is a forum for entrepreneurs and techies. Anonymity is probably a non-goal.

Re: Why to care about privacy after years of sharing data

#84

Earlier quoted context omitted.

If I'm trying to keep my self anonymous-ish, Why do YOU think email is the best way to do that? This should be in-app as a request or an action I can self-execute. "Email us" is the New York Times model of "buy online, but deal with hours of phone-hell"

HN is a forum for entrepreneurs and techies. Anonymity is probably a non-goal.

Meh.

I've pointedly avoided revealing my meatspace identity. Though simultaneously cultivating some manner of pseudonymous reputation.

There are numerous other anonymous / pseudonymous members, and throwaway usernames are supported for that reason though discouraged in general use, to cultivate community.

It's an interesting balance.

Re: Why to care about privacy after years of sharing data

#85
post #18

I used to have a large online presence pre-Snowden leaks and was signed up to hundreds of services, some even in my legal name. Gradually I attempted to 'go dark' and delete all those accounts, which was tedious, but worth it. There's two extremes to being online: you can wear your heart on your shirt sleeve and post under your legal name, and share details about your private life, or you can be a ghost and leave no…

I think there's a big difference between what you choose to share about yourself and what gets taken from you without your knowledge and/or permission. You don't have to "go dark" to remain private. The problem is the massive dragnet of data collection that happens behind our backs!

Re: Why to care about privacy after years of sharing data

#86

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That cherry-picks examples, phone numbers and chronic conditions. We can think of plenty more that change. (Even phone numbers change sometimes.)

Cherry picked examples are proof that the OP is wrong, at least to an extent, and that there exists data that doesn't change or changes slow enough to be re-tagged (and this poses the issue in question). Proof of existence is enough to invalidate a claim of non-existence, even if it doesn't hold for any condition in the world.

No comments were made in the context of logic, so the logical forms don't apply. Personally I'm interested in the long-term value of data and not a logic contest - I'm interested in the territory, not a particular map of it.

Re: Why to care about privacy after years of sharing data

#87

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I agree that data brokers are underscrutinized and probably the least ethical of the companies who make money from user data. I didn't realize that they could buy my data from a health insurer—where can I read more about this?

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-data-brokers-...

Wow. Thanks for sharing, I was not aware.
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