GDPR - The first complaints are in!!

[b0rn2sk8]

Well that didn't take long....

Google, Facebook, WhatsApp and Instragram all face complaints because you have to opt in to data collection and targeted advertising to use the service.

http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-44252327

To be honest, if you want to use those services for free then its reasonable to expect to be advertised to. That is how the 'free' internet works. If you don't want your data to be collected and used, don't use the service, it's that simple.

That being said you can use a fair amount of Googles services without handing over any personal information like search, YouTube etc.

Just out of interest how will the EU enforce a fine on a entity that isn't EU based nor have any EU subsidiaries or store their data within the EU? They apparently they still fall under the scope of GDPR if EU citizens use their service but as they are not in the EU any fine is completely unenforceable as they are well outside the scope of their jurisdiction. Can't they just put up their middle finger and move on instead of trying to block EU users from their services?

https://www.theguardian.com/technol...ased-news-websites-eu-internet-users-la-times

 

[b0rn2sk8]

Not problem really. The service is free. So. To use it you must opt in seems fine

I agree with you, its completely reasonable but apparently it's forbidden under GDPR.

The activist group says customers must agree to having their data collected, shared and used for targeted advertising, or delete their accounts.

This, the organisation suggests, falls foul of the new rules because forcing people to accept wide-ranging data collection in exchange for using a service is prohibited under GDPR.

"The GDPR explicitly allows any data processing that is strictly necessary for the service - but using the data additionally for advertisement or to sell it on needs the users' free opt-in consent," said noyb.eu in a statement.

"GDPR is very pragmatic on this point: whatever is really necessary for an app is legal without consent, the rest needs a free 'yes' or 'no' option."

Privacy advocate Max Schrems said: "Many users do not know yet that this annoying way of pushing people to consent is actually forbidden under GDPR in most cases."

How do you expect them to sustain the service without targeted advertisement to generate income?

Even TV advertisements are targeted, they know the the general profile of people that watch the program and advertise accordingly. That's why you always see toys, sweets and junk food advertised on kids channels and lots of car adverts during sports events (especially motorsport).

Non-targeted advertising is next to pointless as it is ineffective so it doesn't attract much wonga.

 

[b0rn2sk8]

What do you mean that Google arnt as bad? I tried to create another Youtube account and had to have a Google account, can't have a google account without them calling you/attaching the account to a phone number.

Also google has traking by location which you cant turn off and they both have ads.

What I am saying is Google’s business model is to serve you with targeted advertisements in exchange for a service. If you don’t want the targeted adds you shouldn’t have any recourse, right or even expect to be able to use the service.

But with your specific example you don’t actually need an account to use the basic features of YouTube. If you want the more advanced features it’s reasonable to expect Google to monetise you, especially if you don’t want to hand over any money.

It’s not like Facebook or Google have ever hidden what they are doing with your data and are mostly very open about it.

It’s perfectly reasonable for them to take a take it or leave it stance. Either accept the conditions and use the service or don’t use it. You as an individual to make a free choice about it. You are not going to miss anything if you don’t have a Facebook account.

 

[b0rn2sk8]

But that's kind of the point, you should be able to say no, I don't want that, but I would still like to use your service. And that is one of the points GDPR aims to make.

But why should a private company have to offer you a service if they don’t receive remuneration? That’s a complete contradiction to the way our society has worked for hundreds of years.

It’s not a public service. If you want a public service then the EU should create their own Google competitor for EU citizens to use. The thought of that gives me a the creeps frankly.