Yes, but why can't I decide for myself whether I have something to hide or not?
I don't have a problem with people who want privacy. I can also imagine situations in which I would want privacy. But what if I don't?
If you dont want privacy, you are 100% free to make that choice. However, the default should be that things are private unless that privilege is waived.
You can decide for yourself. You cannot decide for anyone else. The point of the GDPR is that companies cannot make that choice for you either -- which incidentally increases the value of those that do want to sell their data, so you should be happy about this regulation because it increases your net worth.
Can you give me an example of a company that actually wants to buy your data and remunerate you for it?
No, as a site is not allowed to block users who do not agree to tracking cookies. The result is that many sites will rather geoblock all users than implement GDPR.
That's doesn't contradict my point that the GDPR's goal is to give users a choice. In fact, if websites can block users then it's not really a choice isn't it?
Websites can’t block European users as a way to comply with the GDPR - if your business is based in Europe you have to comply regardless of whether you serve EU customers or not.
US-based websites can which would simply mean privacy-respecting EU-based competitors will take their place.