They're taking a hard stance on the on-selling of user data. Since they can't influence Washington to do the same, do they have any other option?

Given American companies have been, to put it most graciously, cavalier, with user data, and that we at the beginning of a revolution where user tracking in retail spaces becomes ubiquitous, is it fair to characterize this move as a profit-oriented one primarily?

I think it is more about the US flaunting in everybodies else face once too often that humans are not equal and that even when it comes to very basic rights, there is the US- and the other-human.

If you cared about your fellow citizens, you could have the same. But judging by the hordes of mentally ill people wandering aimlessly around your cities harassing strangers (including visitors such as myself)—you don't.

If you don't like it then take your business elsewhere.

FWIW I live in Europe now and am enjoying it XD, but I still call a spade a spade.

I just hope Germany pulls its head of its ass before it supports China's ascension to global supremacy. We told them not to overly rely on Russian gas for like 40 years but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I'm sure. It's really a lovely place full of lovely people. And the standard of living is still relatively high. They are their own worst enemies sadly.