Comments on: Privacy is a myth http://www.mikeshaw.net/?p=1698 Conan, what is best in life? Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:55:30 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Jonathan http://www.mikeshaw.net/?p=1698&cpage=1#comment-413045 Jonathan Sun, 08 Mar 2009 17:39:05 +0000 http://www.mikeshaw.net/?p=1698#comment-413045 Good point Mike. However, I think that begs the bigger question of what can we do to limit our footprint in those databases. For example, not giving SSN at all when signing up for utilities and services. For example, Charter insisted they needed my SSN to get service from them. I said I don't give that out. Short and short, had to actually go to their local branch office and sign up for service. I was able to sign up without giving my SSN. Usually, you can get signed up without an SSN or DL number, just takes time and pushing the issue. You mention cost savings cards, simple solution to that is don't use them. While Publix may cost more than other places, one reason I shop there and Wal-Mart is there are no consumer "loyalty" card requirements. Their are ways to stay out the databases. It all depends on the level of inconvenience you're willing to go through. Great post though about putting things in perspective with regards to Facebook. I think however, Facebook and the like are still more dangerous to most people in their minds as those embarrassing pictures are much more accessible by the general public (ie. friends and family) than all the demographic data that is housed at the data brokers. Sure big brother and other companies may be able to see you buying a case of beer per week, but that's not near as bad as your pastor seeing pictures of you sloshed and hooking up with some random chick on Facebook, right? Good point Mike. However, I think that begs the bigger question of what can we do to limit our footprint in those databases. For example, not giving SSN at all when signing up for utilities and services. For example, Charter insisted they needed my SSN to get service from them. I said I don’t give that out. Short and short, had to actually go to their local branch office and sign up for service. I was able to sign up without giving my SSN. Usually, you can get signed up without an SSN or DL number, just takes time and pushing the issue.

You mention cost savings cards, simple solution to that is don’t use them. While Publix may cost more than other places, one reason I shop there and Wal-Mart is there are no consumer “loyalty” card requirements. Their are ways to stay out the databases. It all depends on the level of inconvenience you’re willing to go through.

Great post though about putting things in perspective with regards to Facebook. I think however, Facebook and the like are still more dangerous to most people in their minds as those embarrassing pictures are much more accessible by the general public (ie. friends and family) than all the demographic data that is housed at the data brokers. Sure big brother and other companies may be able to see you buying a case of beer per week, but that’s not near as bad as your pastor seeing pictures of you sloshed and hooking up with some random chick on Facebook, right?

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