I think the article's original title should stand. While some people might consider it "baity", I would describe "Smartphones Are Spies" as an accurate description of reality and the content of the article.

The article is making an a public accusation: a lot of spying is happening, and they are naming some of the (in their opinion) responsible parties. Changing that to a title that only indicates the general subject of the discussion ("location data marketplace") obscures the article's thesis: "Your smartphone is probably sending your precise location to companies right now." (which is just a more detailed way of saying "smartphones are spies")

[regardless, it's your house, use whatever titles you want]

As I said, I'm happy to change it to something better if anyone suggests it, but "Smartphones are spies" is obviously sensational and this thread is already filling up with low-quality comments.

The definition of a better title on HN, btw, is: more accurate and neutral, and preferably using representative language from the article.

What exactly of "Smartphones Are Spies. Here’s Whom They Report To." is clickbait?

Nice way to deflect blame, just how many location tracking companies is YC invested in?

Sensational words like "spies" in titles trigger poorer-quality discussion. Taking those out is routine HN moderation. When we change a title for that reason, we always try to replace it with representative language from the article itself.

"Deflecting blame" doesn't enter into it (what does that even mean in this case?) and the answer to your cheap shot about YC is zero, as far as I know.

HN is a leading place for discussing privacy and surveillance; it has been for years; this article is obviously on topic here. We just want to avoid shitty internet threads. This one is already filling with "fuck you", "data rapers", and other pearls.