Quote:
Originally Posted by BioCRN
I'm not saying not to worry about it or there's no risk, I'm just saying a lot of it is out there and it's businesses that badly want your data for themselves and to sell to others.
Besides that aspect, so much of this is being pushed by businesses so employees don't have to have cash registers coming up short, keeping cash on hand, having people who need to count/store/transport cash...etc...it's a business decision to streamline. This kind of stuff works hand-in-hand with kiosks replacing humans when ordering stuff at fast food places, etc etc...
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We generally agree. I fully understand why companies and governments want to collect data on us. It benefits them. Power, manipulation, control. And as you additionally point out, the data don't need to be stolen - sometimes they're simply sold to other entities who are buying so as to be able to exert their influence upon us in some way.
But is what's good for companies and governments, good or bad, generally, for us?
I use nextdoor to keep current with the goings on in my neighborhood. Lost pets, finding a local plumber or excavator, where to see fireworks on certain holidays... For the past year or so, I get a pop-up asking for my birthday including year. I can see how my approximate age might help them target ads at me, but why do they want my birthday?
Last month I made an appointment for my annual physical. When I arrived at the receptionist desk, I told her my name and appointment time. She asked just one identifying question: May I have your birthday.