Hello Rally Crew !,
Last issue ( insert link to Rally Round 4), we focused on explaining some of the jargon related to data collection, specifically “cookies” and “parties.” Knowing these terms is important to understanding data ownership and the relationships between you and the parties who collect and use your data. In this issue, we’re explaining how those relationships are about to change.
As consumers and regulators become more aware and cautious online, moves and countermoves are being made to control data tracking, specifically for cookies. Google has promised to eliminate third-party cookies from Chrome browser, the largest browser in the world. (https://supermetrics.com/blog/googles-third-party-cookie-ban), While this is a great step for toward increased privacy in our current ecosystems, it still won’t stop Google from watching your behavior and using your data in ways you may not know.
(side note: May we recommend Mozilla Firefox ( https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/) as a browser that collects substantially less data?)
The business(es) of data are looking for new ways to replicate the information cookies previously provided. Advertisers are exploring algorithms and predictive analytics synthesized from your data to target you better. (https://venturebeat.com/2022/07/25/how-stop-shop-is-using-ai-not-cookies-to-target-customers). Billions of dollars ( https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/nielsen-sold-private-equity-measurement-media-1235217649/) are being spent to collect this data, often in private companies with little transparency and inadequate regulation.
Regulators have taken meeting the new needs for privacy and data protection seriously ; the EU’s 2018 General Data Protection Regulation (https://gdpr.eu/what-is-gdpr/) and California’s Consumer Privacy Act (https://www.oag.ca.gov/privacy/ccpa) have created clear mandates in data management responsibilities. These regulations provide rules, but compliance (https://techpolicy.press/the-cookie-clutter-crumbles-ad-tech-industrys-consent-framework-isnt-gdpr-compliant/) is not guaranteed.
Compliance with regulations doesn’t necessarily result in accessible transparency. For individuals, this can present as having the right to request data but receiving unwieldy and dense files (https://www.lifewire.com/what-is-google-takeout-4173795) that fulfill requirements but don’t always increase understanding.
It’s even worse for answering essential questions of academic research and public interest. Especially since regulations do not give real control. Data is only a firehouse that platforms grant access to or don’t based on their strategies and regulations. How can we build participatory ways of not only taking care of ourselves but each other that are not dependent on the whims of platforms?
That’s why in addition to our studies, we’re announcing “Attention Stream,” which allows researchers and partners to look at collected data you donate to answer the questions of this new data world. You do not have to wait for a request, and unlike a personal data request that results in keywords and databases, researchers can use that power to answer specific questions about who, what, when, where, why, and how your data is being used. As we build out, we can also tell you specific things about what your experience on the web is in ways you can understand.
It’s time for us all to work together on building a better internet—one that works for you. One that understands exactly what you want it to do for you, and one that answers your questions before you even know how much they matter.
The Rally Crew is Reading…
Being a regular roundup of reportage, explainers, and occasional curiosities that catch the attention of the folks working to build the Rally platform and community (and others in the wider Mozilla flotilla).
As Data policy is changing, we are dedicating this weeks links to interesting ways data can be looked at and what happens after you re quest.
Our team member Casey Tang linked us to Data Selfie a browser extension that let you look at what Facebook knew about you. Sunset in 2018 it is still an interesting look at what was being collectedMIMI ỌNỤỌHA if a fantastic researcher and artist who has composed multiple works on what data is known about us and how it represents us . Of particular note is the series Us,Aggregated