Topic: Data Detox Kit

[Skhilled (OP)]

Everyone has a reason to care about their data accumulation. What’s yours?

I find ads that follow me around on the internet creepy.
I’m worried someone will steal my identity and open accounts in my name.
I don’t think companies should be making money off my personal information.
I’m worried my data will affect my credit rating or lead to higher insurance costs.
I don’t like the thought of all my online searches being recorded (especially the really personal ones!).
I don’t like not knowing what information about me is recorded.
I’m embarrassed about those old photos online.
I wish I felt more in control of my digital life.
Of course I have something to hide – no-one’s really that boring (or perfect!).

Or maybe you have a different reason – whatever it is, this detox could help! Just click on "How to Do the Detox", below... and then you're ready to start!"

https://datadetox.myshadow.org/detox/

[Ken]

I pretty much agree with all of that.

And... just saw a thing today about company's that are harvesting the info that your car may be transmitting.

Cars Are Delivering Tons Of Driving Data

Cars Are Delivering Tons Of Driving Data To Manufacturers With Minimal Security And Even Less Transparency
from the introducing-the-2015-Lexus-CI dept

Nothing's driving the acquisition of data faster than, well, driving. As new technology makes its way into vehicles, so does the apparent desire to harvest information about the vehicle itself. Between the outside harvesting (automatic plate readers that gather plate/location data, as well as photos of vehicle occupants) and the "inside" transmissions, there's very little any number of unknown entities won't know about a person's driving habits. And that's not even including what's transmitted and collected by drivers' omnipresent smartphones and their installed apps.

Sen. Edward Markey has expressed some alarm at the amount of data being collected (and distributed) by vehicle manufacturers. His office has produced a report [pdf link] showing that while many manufacturers are involved in collecting data, very few of them seem concerned about the attendant risks. Even worse, many respondents to his office's questionnaire seem to show very little understanding of the underlying technology and most have not made an effort to fully inform customers as to how much is being collected or how it's being distributed.

[Skhilled (OP)]

Yes, these things make our lives easier but most of them collect a lot of data and you really can't trust what they will do with it or what will happen with it if they get hacked. Personally, I rarely give out my cell number because all of the info that may be gain from my cell, especially for websites, downloads, apps, etc.

[Ken]

Same here on the cell number.