What real-world privacy looks like. For years I don’t pick up the phone if I don’t recognize the number because usually it’s someone trying to sell me something I don’t want. Half the time I don’t even speak the language they leave in my voicemail. If only there were an effective do-not-call list that would track my preference to not be bothered. Companies I have done business with could still reach me, but they are in my contacts list. People knock on my door and ask me to donate to causes I oppose. They ask questions about my family demographics that are none of their business. Strangers approach me on the street and ask me to sign petitions or give money, with no idea whether I support their causes. I don’t want my personal information in a database, but if it means more efficient marketing so I don’t get buried in solicitations I would never consider, it might be a price worth paying.
I think this is absolutely key. If you could see how much profit any given company makes off of your own personal data, you could rationally decide whether that convenience was worth it to you. If Google had to say "the aggregate value of the information we have on you is worth $4 a month to us" I would say TAKE MY MONEY and leave my name off your lips. If on the other hand Google had to say "the aggregate value of the information we have on you is worth $30 a month to us" then we start having a value discussion. Really? knowing where I drive and the terms I search makes Google $30? But only makes Duck Duck Go $8? All of a sudden I give no fucks about how crappy DDG's search is, I'm saving a ton of money on my car insurance. These discussions are controversial because the actual value being discussed is a mystery. Clear up the mystery and the market will take care of the rest.I don’t want my personal information in a database, but if it means more efficient marketing so I don’t get buried in solicitations I would never consider, it might be a price worth paying.