> -----Original Message----- > From: John J. Foster [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > Sent: 10 August 2005 01:14 > To: gentoo-user@lists.gentoo.org > Subject: Re: [gentoo-user] [OT] Mozilla & Google behind the > scenes payola > > > On Tue, Aug 09, 2005 at 05:05:34PM -0400, Paul M Foster wrote: > > On Tue, Aug 09, 2005 at 03:52:10PM -0400, John J. Foster wrote: > > > > > http://www.scroogle.org/gscrape.html#ffox > > >
I've read the linked page(s) and I've also read some other relevant articles. I have not yet seen a clear enough thesis that explains why on this occasion creating a 'for profit' organisation will serve more effectively the public good/end user. If indeed true, then I don't think that private information (search/browsing patterns) being shared without knowledge and consent of the user is acceptable. Car manufacturers sponsoring *privately* funded events (like a TV show) is clearly not the same. These days many companies sponsor events for charitable organisations - the question is to what extend is this sponsoring acceptable. I suggest that it is acceptable only to the extent that it does not compromise the objectives of the not for profit organisation. Sharing our private information (i.e. our own browsing trends) for profit without our consent is evidently not on - whether undertaken by a for profit or not organisation! Any idea how Opera (adware in its 'free' form) behaves on this issue? I suspect it probably does the same, but at least it clearly states so when you first launch the unpaid program. Not sure what happens if you pay for it. -- gentoo-user@gentoo.org mailing list
