this post was submitted on 24 Nov 2024
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It happens all the time.
Duolingo started by providing crowdsource-validated translations for third-parties. Google used captchas to improve their image search. Dark Sky sold real-rime elevation data to Stanford University to identify minute, localized seismic activity.
There are countless ways for developers to make data collection profitable.
I do see a difference between commercial applications by Google and seismic activities mapping by Stanford. Also if it comes from a university you know it’s been approved by some ethics board. Not saying those are perfect, but definitely better than Google.
I agree. Dark Sky was ethical in their data collection and sales. That doesn’t change the fact that most users are unaware of how a free app is using their information.
It's almost like companies are only focused on profits and will use any tactic you haven't thought of yet to make a profit off the masses.
It's like that old saying: If the service is free, you are the product.
Though, nowdays that's not always true, in the worst ways. You can pay for a product, and they'll also collect/sell all your data to double dip.