[pbhjpbhj]

>people refusing that data can be necessary for the service //

I'm failing to understand how Techcrunch's provision of articles is impossible without my provision of PII, they seem to manage to display those articles to other people even when I don't give them _my_ PII.

It sounds like someone is confused as to what essential means; it doesn't mean "carry on using the same privacy infringing business model regardless".

[manigandham]

It displays the articles to other people using their PII to pay for it. Essential because of compensation is allowed, and you have the choice to not view anything. There is nothing you’re losing, but you’re not entitled to demand content either.

HN users should contact a law firm instead of being self appointed lawyers downvoting everything they misunderstand.

[pbhjpbhj]

You've shown that Techcrunch requires paying, you've not shown it requires PII. The service has to actually need PII, and not be able to reasonably offer it without.

Do I need your insurance renewal dates before I can serve you a pint of beer? No. But if I had them I might be able to give you slightly cheaper beer (and feed back to the insurance company that you drink beer; a fact they might use to increase your insurance). So, under GDPR can I refuse to serve beer to people who won't give up PII, no, I have to come up with another way to ensure payment, like asking for money, or advertising to you without PII, or ...