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.
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