Lauren WeinsteinDec 11, 2022

Someone just mentioned the differences between #Twitter and #Google regarding user data. Yes, indeed.

I've worked inside #Google twice. Their explicit rules, approvals, logging and "need to know" requirements for access to user data are most impressive. Anyone even attempting to access user data inappropriately is fired and marched out the door by security. This is part of why I have a great deal of trust in Google, and consider Elon's #Twitter to be utterly untrustworthy and totally beneath contempt.

Show threadTom StonehamDec 11, 2022

@lauren I am told by a Facebook insider that same was/is true there.

But the problem is: why do you have something in the first place if it needs such protection?

Surely true #DataPrivacy means don't collect rather than don't misuse.

Once it has been collected, the user has lost their privacy even if *you* don't misuse it. It's all about power.

Show threadmarkDec 11, 2022

@tomstoneham @lauren I'm at meta, and it's true. Access is strictly regulated and tracked. You don't get to see people's data if you don't have a use for it. And if you do you are watched and logged. They keep it safe.

Maybe not altruistic, because it is their profit base.

Show threadTom Stoneham
@ATLeagle @lauren
So if it needs that level of protection, time to rethink collecting it at all
Dec 11, 2022 at 8:19pmWeb
Show threadLauren WeinsteinDec 11, 2022
@tomstoneham @ATLeagle Billions of people around the world want these services and depend on them. Most of these services depend on data. The issue is making sure that the data is being handled responsibly, not ending services that require data.
Show threadTom StonehamDec 11, 2022

@lauren @ATLeagle
'require'?

But that is a long conversation not suited to this medium.

Show threadLauren WeinsteinDec 11, 2022
@tomstoneham @ATLeagle Agreed this is not the best venue for such a technical discussion ...
Show threadmarkDec 11, 2022

@lauren @tomstoneham I remember the terrible treatment of consumers at the hands of the owners of communication infrastructure in the 70s and 80s . There is always a price for things people want and use.

Not defending the practices, just pointing out that they do protect well, and I agree there is more nuance than we can cover correctly in a text only forum.

Show threadLauren WeinsteinDec 11, 2022
@ATLeagle @tomstoneham The dominant telcos/ISPs have always been problematic, and have become worse over recent years.