What harm does public data have to you? Couldn’t one just ignore the ads? You can’t see anyone watching you, is public data good for public records? (I’m just curious). I know this sounds weird but is public data good for historical preservation and knowledge increasing the importance of the individual? And does public data lead to better products?

  • Uriel238 [all pronouns]@lemmy.blahaj.zone
    1·
    1 year ago

    Here in the States your data can not only be used to trace where you live, and who your loved ones are, but also how to assure you will be convicted of an imprisonable offense, given the average American commits three felonies a day (mostly violations of the CFAA. If you’re not a pro-authority fascist, espionage and conspiracy can often be tossed in to extend your sentence.)

    For most of us American shlubs, it’s not a big deal. If you’re a ten year old girl and make your own Facebook page (that’s a felony) no one is going to care much…

    …unless you have significant liquidatable assets known to law enforcement.

    …unless you cross the police on an unlucky day and one of them holds a grudge.

    …unless you have enemies in high places, say, a state senator.

    …or unless an official wants your real property / intellectual property / spouse and you’re in the way.

    Then, yeah, it’s a matter of finding something that will convince a judge or jury that you need to be locked away. And if you are as privacy-conscious as a typical US citizen, they will find something. Maybe something even worth sending a SWAT team to serve your warrant over.

      • tdgoodman@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
        1·
        1 year ago

        As written, the CFAA really does make violating terms of service become unauthorized access and thus a felony. Some courts have pushed back on this, but I don’t think it has been clearly decided.

        • Uriel238 [all pronouns]@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
          2·
          1 year ago

          There’s now precedent that no one reads Terms of Service anyway but yeah, it’s still a toss up whether or not you get a hanging judge.

          Part of the problem is CFAA violation felony charges for mild violations is the means by which our federal government punishes many whistleblowers who alert the public of embarrassing activities by our officials. And rather than part with this means to drive Aaron Swartz to suicide prosecute enemies of the state they just use the laws sparingly. The US has a lot of laws which are disregarded except when VIPs want to hurt someone or assure nonwhites stay in their place.