"The information, known as netflow data, is a useful tool for digital investigators. They can use it to identify servers being used by hackers, or to follow data as it is stolen."
Doesn't look like they're selling 'atok1 loves to browse hacker news' type data.
We saw the same pattern with phone location data. ISPs are selling the data in bulk ("don't worry, they're not selling your data, they're selling everyone's data!") to "responsible" companies who then re-sell the ability to data-mine specific IPs. The result is that, yes, people in the know can pay to find out whether atok1 loves to browse hacker news.
But that’s like saying it’s ok for banks to sell everyone’s bank account transactions because it’ll catch those pesky criminals when they make a transaction.
Why should everyone be surveillance for catching the minority who do the wrong thing. It’s not about whether anyone cares about atok1’s data specifically right now.
>But that’s like saying it’s ok for banks to sell everyone’s bank account transactions because it’ll catch those pesky criminals when they make a transaction.
You're right, it's not okay. But it's totally okay (and mandatory) to send certain transaction information to the state (ie. FinCEN).
Doesn't look like they're selling 'atok1 loves to browse hacker news' type data.