PRIVACY BE DAMNED

As a practitioner in the world of big data I am reminded of Zuckerberg’s comment about the users of what is now Facebook as “They trust me” “Dumb F—ks” for giving up their personal data.
Contrary to Wall Street analysts’ suggestion that he has matured, I beg to differ. Analysts have an agenda to keep the stock price momentum going and have no clue (nor do they really care) about the nefarious practices behind the Facebook curtain.
For years I rallied against the intrusions, and yes, theft of the use of our data which most have blindly turned over to Facebook.
Let’s be clear. Facebook did not steal our data. The fine print in their terms allowed them to mine our information legally (if not surreptitiously). In return, we get to use the platform. Such fun!!!
As Facebook executives insist they don’t sell their data, they are correct. They DO sell the USE of our data, and then lose control as the buyer of the data usage integrates third party data to enhance profile targeting down to, yes, even a street address with a more complete profile of YOU …. anonymity be gone.
So what we end up with as the chickens come home to roost is a nest of lies, obfuscated with technical terms, apologies, lack of transparency and accountability and legislators who don’t have a clue how to pull the curtain aside and ask the right questions.
Zuckerberg will not go away as he has overriding voting rights on the business of Facebook. What needs to be done is for clueless legislators to clamp down hard on how this company is undermining the very foundation of what the definition of privacy is …. something Zuckerberg will never openly admit he believes doesn’t exist.

 DOG WALKING APPS: BEWARE
 
The recent spate of news stories surrounding dog walking apps like Wag and Rover prompted a deeper dive into the "Uber" apps of the pet-care business.  And we did not like what we found.

Headlines of run-away dogs seem to pop up more often than we would like to see. As the use of these apps grows, it isn't unusual that mishaps or tragic events will occur. But it seems too often. Why?

It's important to understand that these companies are not pet-care companies.... and they note that in their terms.  If you take the time to read the fine print in their terms and conditions, they will deny any responsibility for mismanaged, hurt or lost pets, passing the responsibility over to their independent contractors who are often not insured or bonded.  We don't paint all walker with the same brush and we assume most under contract are professionals, doing fine jobs.  But accidents happen, and you should be prepared should it concern your furry family member.

While it's in their best interest to manage the fallout from accidents, in the end app companies are not liable.When using these services ask the right questions.  Insist on a meet and greet with the walker before scheduling a walk.  Ask about insurance and who is covered. Ask about vetting the walker.  How long is their training period.  Who trains them?  Are the walks private or pack walks?

The care and safety of your pet should be first and foremost when choosing a company to work with you.  Why choose a distant tech company over a local pet care company?

www.ThePamperedPet.com