With the major tech companies taking on government spying, maybe it's time these companies look in the mirror as well. Sure, the government may be snooping into your World of Warcraft chats, but don't forget your privacy has been drastically eroded by some of the very internet companies calling for more privacy. (Binary Sensitivity Alert: Just because I am criticizing internet companies for their role in spying, does not mean I am condoning government spying. As you were.)
Google and Facebook have suddenly become bastions of civil liberty, and while I applaud their efforts to restrict government surveillance, it just kinda' smells funny coming from two gigantic companies who track our every move. Much of their business is based on selling your data to advertisers, and a fine business it is. In our outrage over privacy, let's not forget about consumer privacy. Have you read your Google or Facebook "terms of service" lately? Methinks there is a bit of PR game being played here.
I just couldn't resist the old "I'm A Mac, I'm A PC" analogy, seems like their relationship is so much like the internet companies and the government today. Enjoy the cartoon and share it (along with all your other personal data, heh heh) on Facebook!
Internet: Hello, I'm an Internet company.
Government: And I'm the Government.
Internet: I made a website urging limits on government surveillance.
Government: I made a commission that's exploring limits on government surveillance.
Internet: I have only your best interests in mind.
Government: I have only your best interests in mind.
Internet: I collect and analyze your data to make your life . . . more convenient!
Government: I collect and analyze your data to make your life . . . safer.
Internet: I mine endless data for commercial purposes.
Government: I mine endless data for . . . intel purposes.
Internet: I have a clear terms-of-service agreement everyone knows about.
Government: So do I.
Internet: I've fought to weaken privacy legislation.
Government: So have I!
Internet: I track people everywhere with personal profile data.
Government: Um, I do too.
Internet: I track political and religious preferences to . . . sell ads!
Government: I track political and religious preferences to, um, never mind.
Internet: But your spying is hurting my business!
Government: Couldn't 'a done it without you!
Internet: But you don't understand . . . I only want what's best for business!
Government: I only want what's best for America!
[last line is delivered in synch. Text: Not That Different.]