There can be a big divide among tech professionals on how they view data privacy. Some don't worry too much, and some are very upset about the lack of data privacy and poor data handling practices from many organizations. Most people are probably in the middLe. I do know that every time I post about a Tesla, there are many people who mention the incredible amount of data Tesla collects, and how that makes them nervous.
Tesla discloses that they collect, and I get copies of my data with my own logger. I find the data interesting and I glance at it over time to look for trends. I'm still happy that my top destination in the last year (after home) is the gym 😉
Other car companies collect data on you and GM is in trouble in Texas. I suspect other companies do this, likely to learn more about how to build better cars, but also to get data they may be able to sell. The same thing likely happens with most of your data. Certainly, mobile phone companies collect lots of data, and I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of your rentals/purchases/visits are being captured and sold to others from all sorts of vendors. Some of you might even be capturing usage data in your software that your customers might not like.
I don't know how I feel about this. I do think disclosure is important but not in the form of some EULA or a contract that people have to click through. I think there ought to be choice of what data is being collected and how it's used. Or if it can be used. While I often just accept or dismiss cookie banners, I do appreciate that I can refuse cookies and still use more websites. I ought to be able to easily opt out from most data collection from most companies. It really should be optional.
The world isn't going back to analog devices and actions. Digital technology, with software invading most parts of your life, is here. I wouldn't be surprised to find out most new appliances have a phone home feature that captures data and sends it back through unsecured wi-fi. A good reason to put a password on all your networks.
In portions of the world, there are restrictions on data and privacy. They could be stronger, and the laws could limit more of what companies can do. Many companies still make money or run fine.
They will be fine. Organizations always find ways to work within whatever system exists.
I think that would be a good thing for most of us if more data privacy restrictions were in place. However, I don't know how most of us would even go about helping enact them.
