In other shocking news, your ISP knows what websites you visit.
While we need to have real discussions and set real policies, we should be talking about the length of data retention, the way the data is stored, the entities who can access the data, the purposes for which the data is collected, the exact data that's being collected, and a rational weighing of the benefits vs. the costs.
Instead, we usually get fearmongering and witchhunts, usually instigated by somebody selling something. If you've successfully kept a low profile, all is permitted. If you haven't, you get to be the Great Satan for a while. While the hate mail will help you grow a thick skin, if you're the Great Satan a little too often, the politicians, prosecutors, and bureaucrats smell a 'winning issue', and will attempt to ruin your business and make your life a hell.
I would not start an analytics or an advertising company in 2011.
While we need to have real discussions and set real policies, we should be talking about the length of data retention, the way the data is stored, the entities who can access the data, the purposes for which the data is collected, the exact data that's being collected, and a rational weighing of the benefits vs. the costs.
Instead, we usually get fearmongering and witchhunts, usually instigated by somebody selling something. If you've successfully kept a low profile, all is permitted. If you haven't, you get to be the Great Satan for a while. While the hate mail will help you grow a thick skin, if you're the Great Satan a little too often, the politicians, prosecutors, and bureaucrats smell a 'winning issue', and will attempt to ruin your business and make your life a hell.
I would not start an analytics or an advertising company in 2011.