#thingstoogoodtobefree

There's no such thing as a free lunch. Everyone knows this. The fact that you don't get something for nothing is as self-evident as apple pie.


The truly wonderful happens however when you get a lunch which you've paid for with something you didn't value in the slightest. The obvious cases (so obvious that the majority of people overlook them) these days are major players in the online ecosystem.
Google, let's be honest, is incredible. I get a suite of incredible working and collaboration tools which still feel a bit futuristic (I grew up in the 80s, so remember typing in my own games from code printed in a magazine). It all works very well, to the extent I often use these tools at work when paid-for variants are available.


And what am I giving up to Google? The right to see ads, and a fair chunk of my personal data.
Do I mind seeing ads? Not really. Most days this week I've seen the ad (on the side of a 139 bus) for Adam Sandler's new film where he plays his twin sister, and that's upset me - I had no choice to opt out from or tailor that ad. Well, I could have closed my eyes but I may well have walked into someone or been run over. Online - big deal, provided it doesn't mess with my browsing experience (overtly flashing banners, pop-ups etc).


Do I mind handing over my data to Google? Ah, now this is a question which many people get very exercised about. I have 2 main points:


1) Google (and their ilk) will use my data for one reason - to sell me stuff. There tends not to be much interest (because of the margins) in selling me low-grade stuff, and Google (plus the other decent folk) wouldn't be very interested in allowing dodgy merchants market fraudulent goods/services to me either. Also, the rules mean that, for example, the scenario where, "hey, you've been to a couple of porn sites - you may be interested in this Urotsukidoji box set and a case of Jack Daniels" doesn't happen. More's the pity.


2) I actually trust Google with my data more than I trust, let's say, the Government. I like some of the HM Gov't's online services (car tax discs, HMRC self-assessment) very much, but let's face it, they're inept. And even when everything works properly, the upshot of the Government knowing more about me is I get taxed more (it always seems to me), whereas as Google knows more, I get more relevant but still above-board ads.


So, on this, World Data Privacy Day, I would remind all that we may be living in a Golden time of free, open services and the alternative where you (and the Government, of course) keep your data to yourself means a much less interesting Internet for everyone.