I’m So, So Sorry. Here’s My Belly. Now Please Move On.

Re:I’m So, So Sorry. Here’s My Belly. Now Please Move On. by baddox on Sunday February 12, 2012 @09:07PM (#3583868)

I have always classified things as "spyware" not according to whether or not they asked me for permission, but rather how they use the information they acquire. Namely, spyware collects personally identifiable information and sells it to third parties.

Everyone knows that Google and Facebook use your information both to target ads for you and to improve their other services (e.g. better search results, better news feed). Do they both qualify as spyware?

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:I’m So, So Sorry. Here’s My Belly. Now Please Move On. by marshray on Sunday February 12, 2012 @09:26PM (#3583917)

If I did install an app from Google or Facebook, and it siphoned my personal data and sent it home to their servers in a way I found surprising, yes I would feel like it was spyware. Yes, this has happened to me and it made me angry.

However, I'm sure there are far more rigorous definitions of spyware and you should probably go with one of those in formal writing. I know it when I see it, but I'll let the experts define it.

[ Parent | on HN ]