GoKawiilRead the fine print. And even that might not help. A new report found some of the largest online platforms in the world -- Google, Meta, Amazon and TikTok among them -- are making it very difficult for people to opt out of their data being collected and used.
In its report, Good Luck Opting Out -- Manipulative Design Patterns in Opt-Out Processes, the digital privacy and advocacy group Electronic Privacy Information Center examined the opt-out procedures for 38 major companies that collect customer data.
Many of these companies use "dark patterns" in their opt-out processes, the investigation found. That term refers to intentionally tricking, guiding or pressuring consumers to allow their data to be collected, shared and sold through deceptive or confusing methods on company websites and apps.
Too many companies deny their customers true choice over the use of their personal data, EPIC Counsel Caroline Kraczon said in a statement. "For individuals facing heightened risks, including stalking, doxxing, or targeted harassment, these barriers can have serious real-world safety consequences," Kraczon said.
Asked by CNET for comment, a Meta spokesperson pointed to the company's public privacy terms. "As we say explicitly in our Privacy Policy, we don't sell any of your information to anyone and we never will." However, that policy says Meta does share customer information with other companies and that "some information is required for our products to work. Other information is optional, but without it, the quality of your experience might be affected."
Representatives for Google and OpenAI, both mentioned in the EPIC report, didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.
Read more: A Guide to Data Removal Services: Should You Pay for Privacy?
The report noted the real-world consequences of personal information being widely available online due to the buying, selling and sharing of data by brokers and other businesses. Vance Boelter, the man charged in the murder of Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark last year, used "people search" data brokers to find out where they lived.
"For decades, abusive individuals have likewise used technologies and data to locate, hunt down, and harass, intimidate, assault, and even murder other people, predominantly impacting women, women of color, and LGBTQ+ people," the report said.
There are 20 states -- including California, Texas and Florida -- that have laws requiring businesses to let customers opt out of data collection. used, shared and sold.
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