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9 comments

[–] Owlchemy [OP] 6 points (+6|-0)

Again, as usual, I agree - LOL. I wouldn't give these folks my data myself, but they also get you when one of your relatives buys into their system. Almost everything business model-wise in today's environment is used to exploit the customer base. People click okay on those two mile long online user agreements and give away their rights forever. This is insane and we should demand better protections. Not one of these businesses should be permitted to go beyond their original contract without a more legitimate way for those interested to opt in. This is has spiraled out of control since the era of computerization has unfolded.

Yep, and it pervades the real world as well. Club-cards, credit-cards, and memberships of all kinds.
You don't get discounted groceries for nothing. It costs you your privacy. All of that data is stored and will be used against us. Many people do not understand what they are giving away. They don't care if agencies track what they buy at the grocery store, because they don't understand what can be learned from it.

Often, we can still reap the benefits without bending over. For example, at the grocery store I ask to use the 'store' card. I get the discounts, but they don't get tailored statistics.

[–] Owlchemy [OP] 2 points (+2|-0)

This is true. I don't carry a grocery store card myself and more times than not, the cashier will use the store card she has to get me the discounts. I don't even ask, but they do. My wife has a card though, so I'm no purist - LOL.