[ElViajero]

> Collecting data might be sensible, but it isn't too hard to ask.

Collecting data might be sensible ... for corporations. But, it is rarely for the consumer. That is why it is so hard to ask.

"Can I do this thing that you do not understand but probably have the feeling that is only going to be bad for you?". That is a hard question to ask, that is why the question is hidden behind weird concepts, lists of consent checkbox, or other dark-pattern mechanisms.

Collecting data might be sensible.. but only for one side of the deal. Data collection is a clear WIN-LOSE situation, a situation that is only accepted because there is an unsymmetrical amount of power in the relationship.

[johncolanduoni]

I mean, charging for products are a clear win-lose situation for customers, created by an asymmetrical power balance. There are good arguments for regulating data collection, but “customers should be able to pick and choose any aspect about using a product they’d rather not have and jettison it” is not one of them.

[ElViajero]

> charging for products are a clear win-lose situation for customers

That is not true. I pay money, I get a product I want. That is a win-win situation.

I see TV and the TV channel shows ads is a win-win situation.

I see YouTube and YouTube records who I am, where I live, my age, my relationship status, my political views.... to watch TV for free seems a very bad exchange.

I am not against the advertisement industry, but in its current form in conjunction with tech companies it is damaging society in very real, very harmful ways.

[hulitu]

> > charging for products are a clear win-lose situation for customers

> That is not true. I pay money, I get a product I want. That is a win-win situation.

I get a product which spies on me and I cannot turn it off (android, win 10). Win for them, loose for me.

> I see TV and the TV channel shows ads is a win-win situation.

I paid for this channel - so win for them , loose for me.

> I see YouTube and YouTube records who I am, where I live, my age, my relationship status, my political views.... to watch TV for free seems a very bad exchange.

> I am not against the advertisement industry, but in its current form in conjunction with tech companies it is damaging society in very real, very harmful ways.

Yes. And they also pay politicians and lobbyists.

[swiley]

I'd pay for things if they included the source code.

[MattGaiser]

No, as the customer does not have to fork over cash for the product. That is the benefit.