[pdkl95]

You are only "just [a] number" for a very brief period. As soon as you generate enough data points[1] to establish a recognizable subset of your pattern-of-life, the not-signed-in account can (and probably will) be correlated with your other accounts, some of which probably have data that identifies the real "you".

One of the most common mistakes people make when discussing the data collected by someone like Google is only considering the data in isolation. In reality, data is often combined with other databases.

[1] The minimum number of data points might can be very small: handful of timestamped locations at your home and job is probably unique, matching browser fingerprints if you used the same browser for logged-in and not-logged-in activity, or - as this is Google and their OS - maybe even simply a single even: hearing a MAC address known to be om your home wifi over the radio.

[theshrike79]

Someone with more writing and artistic skills really should make a comic strip or something about this. One we could share with less technical people.

Even technical people really don't seem to understand how far data aggregation can go. Multiple small information points are collated into profiles, you need to be Jason Bourne -levels of vigilant to not create a trackable fingerprint online.

[pdkl95]

An informative comic would be great. I have unsuccessfully tried to create a video game mechanic (ludonarrative) that demonstrates how data aggregation can be exploited. Giving people a little bit of personal experience on the other side trying to [ab]use data could be a very effective teaching tool. I suspect most people (including, as you mentioned, most technical people!) have never really thought about how personal data might be used as a weapon.

The amazing game "Papers, Please" demonstrated that a game based around an educational ludonarrative is not only possible, but can also be be relatively popular. Unfortunately, just like drawing, video game design is difficult.

> you need to be Jason Bourne -levels of vigilant to not create a trackable fingerprint online.

As Zoz said, "Don't Fuck It Up!"[1]. Any type of OPSEC has become extremely difficult. Even technically knowledgeable people that risk consequences of failure far worse than being tracked by Google screw up their OPSEC.

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1q4Ir2J8P8

[drivebycomment]

https://desfontain.es/privacy/us-census-reconstruction-attac... is a pretty good explanation on those concepts.

[2Gkashmiri]

yes. exactly. i guess xkcd must have already done something on this given the depth of knowledge that guy has on the internet. if nothing, if anyone knows that guy, he can do it in 3 panels i'm sure.

[2Gkashmiri]

how far does pi-hole and similar tech help in this regard? i am genuinely curious about their role in reduction in data collection or at least preventing its exfiltration