Quote Originally Posted by Dreadnaught View Post
they can't make use of the data that people are freely and willingly giving to them.
Problem is that most people are unaware of what information they are sharing by simply browsing the internet, hell, most sites operate without a full understanding of what they are sharing with advertisers. The UK had a law go into effect in May that restricts websites from using cookies without permission, and last I read most sites still violate it because of their advertising.

Not to mention that cookies have evolved to the point where they can be made nearly permanent "ever cookies" (not the same as flash's super cookies), or that companies are able to track you, even better than what Google Analytics can do, even in incognito mode.

The facebook problem isn't even an issue of information people are freely and willingly giving away. The German government has taken an issue with the idea of using a service somehow removing all your privacy rights. Having a facebook account shouldn't allow someone to put your name on something they freely and willingly provided and the you had absolutely nothing to do with.