Do you or don't you value privacy? Do you value cogent transparency?EverythingIncredible said:
One of the defining legal principles of a supposedly liberal society is that a state power has certain restrictions over a person's personal affairs. I personally think the same line should be drawn with regards to corporate interests, and for the most part: it is.
If I'm going to give personal information to a corporate entity, I would like them to ask permission for it. Hark back to my previous point -- given the highly convoluted and murky nature of digital license agreements -- it makes it quite hard (ie. next to impossible) for a meeting of minds between the service provider and the consumer. In Common Law, this is debatable grounds for a contractual agreement. In fact, in most Western legal systems the same contention applies.
I value my personal information and if my PC is going to be scanned by corporate sanctioned spyware, I want a say over it. Given the argument I've stated, the choices would seem quite apparent for me -- ie. do not purchase. However, this is not an ideal outcome for all parties involved; I should not have to explain why.
To many, many other people who have a minute understanding of legal principles, this is an issue that needs to be addressed systematically. A corporation taking matters into their own hands in such a way is dangerous and unethical because its potential for abuse is great.
Simply put: supposition over what I may "have to hide" is irrelevant to the matter. The matter ultimately pertains to Power, and the manner in which it is wielded.
You're an intelligent and empowered individual, yes? If you're comfortable with corporations arbitrarily taking personal information without your express consent on every individual occasion purely for their own benefit, then I truly feel sorrow for you. With respect, this is bigger than you and your own personal choice. This thread highlights just how one-sided and overreaching this policy towards consumers has become.
