Ask Slashdot: Should We Have the Option of Treating Google Like a Utility? 238
eegad writes "I've been thinking a lot about how much information I give to technology companies like Google and Facebook and how I'm not super comfortable with what I even dimly know about how they're handling and selling it. Is it time for major companies like this, who offer arguably utility-like services for free in exchange for info, to start giving customers a choice about how to 'pay' for their service? I'd much rather pony up a monthly fee to access all the Google services I use, for example, and be assured that no tracking or selling of my information is going on. I'm not aware of how much money these companies might make from selling data about a particular individual, but could it possibly be more than the $20 or $30 a month I'd fork over to know that my privacy is a little more secure? Is this a pipe dream, or are there other people who would happily pay for their private use of these services? What kinds of costs or problems could be involved with companies implementing this type of dual business model?"
Re:Willing to pay? (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Stop worrying about Google. (Score:4, Funny)
Also research is likely to be done with Google!
I see a trap!
Re: hah! (Score:5, Funny)
Seriously? When you buy an app from an app developer, they need your contact information for payment processing. That's how it's always worked, and it's hardly been a secret.
I just wrote an app that controls lights for people going away on vacation. I will be selling it at a loss, but figure I can make money on the names and addresses.