Spotify's NEW Privacy Policy...creepy as it comes!

[Thai]

Link: You Can't Do Squat About Spotify's Eerie New Privacy Policy | WIRED

Quick points:

- we may collect information stored on your mobile device, such as contacts, photos, or media files.

- we may also collect information about your location

- We may also receive information about you from our service providers and partners, which we use to personalise your Spotify experience, to measure ad quality and responses to ads, and to display ads that are more likely to be relevant to you

- We may share information with advertising partners in order to send you promotional communications about Spotify or to show you more tailored content, including relevant advertising for products and services that may be of interest to you, and to understand how users interact with advertisements. The information we share is in a de-identified format (for example, through the use of hashing) that does not personally identify you.


“If you don’t agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, then please don’t use the Service.” – Spotify

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This is the world we live in I guess.

 

[Ruff]

Ok, I won't.
Don't have to since there are other alternatives.

I hardly ever read T&C's on stuff but, always for the all apps that go into my phone.


Ruff

 

[ben550]

At least they are honest and disclose what they're doing.

Bottom line: if you use technology you're being tracked.

Do you think the apple icloud doesnt store your data? Facebook? Itunes? Windows 10? They all do this.

Its sad and I disagree but seems like privacy has been obliterated.

 

[LandCruiser]

I'm guessing every EULA will be like this in 10 years.

Weyland-Yutani: Building Better Worlds (TM)

 

[KidVermicious]

I ditched Spotify years ago when they started requiring users to attach their Facebook account. Screw that noise. Goes to show you, if you're not paying for the service, it's because you're the product.

 

[fourwd1]

Link: You Can't Do Squat About Spotify's Eerie New Privacy Policy | WIRED

Quick points:

- we may collect information stored on your mobile device, such as contacts, photos, or media files.

- we may also collect information about your location

- We may also receive information about you from our service providers and partners, which we use to personalise your Spotify experience, to measure ad quality and responses to ads, and to display ads that are more likely to be relevant to you

- We may share information with advertising partners in order to send you promotional communications about Spotify or to show you more tailored content, including relevant advertising for products and services that may be of interest to you, and to understand how users interact with advertisements. The information we share is in a de-identified format (for example, through the use of hashing) that does not personally identify you.


“If you don’t agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, then please don’t use the Service.” – Spotify

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This is the world we live in I guess.

Every app I've started to download to my phone has said the same things, so I've said no and not downloaded.
Why does a flashlight app need access to my photos and contacts ?
It doesn't.

 

[Thai]

At least they are honest and disclose what they're doing.

Bottom line: if you use technology you're being tracked.

Do you think the apple icloud doesnt store your data? Facebook? Itunes? Windows 10? They all do this.

Its sad and I disagree but seems like privacy has been obliterated.

Apple does not. Apple uses encryption on information both ends (to/from iPhone and at Apple server). You can opt in or out of location services (easily in iPhone SETTINGS app) and it is not a requirement for any services provided by Apple. iTunes has your CC if you so choose to pay for stuff or you can use Paypal. Nothing is "required" except that you pay for the stuff you buy of course.

The rest of what you mentioned is accurate...FB and Win10 are invasive...but even there, you can opt out of certain stuff and still use the service. Spotify takes it to the next level...if you opt out, then screw off.

I think that more and more, services will go the route of Google and Windows (and now Spotify)...free services at the cost of mining you (AND your contacts/family). With Spotify paid membership, you still pay for them to mine you!

 

[cashmoney]

Don't want your private data being spied on? Don't use anything involving the internet. Simple as that. Doesn't matter how private or as good of a security a company has, hackers will crack it if they want. Think we've seen that proven time and time again. There is no such thing as private anymore in the world of the internet. Heck, they can hack your utility company and get your information that way.

The only way to truly protect yourself is to take yourself completely off the grid. Power, utilities, cable, internet, smart phones, credit cards, bank accounts, debit cards, etc. can all be hacked and your information stolen.

There is no such thing as privacy and security anymore. At least Spotify is being upfront, open, and honest about it. I respect them more for that than other companies that are doing it and not telling me about it.

 

[Thai]

Don't want your private data being spied on? Don't use anything involving the internet. Simple as that. Doesn't matter how private or as good of a security a company has, hackers will crack it if they want. Think we've seen that proven time and time again. There is no such thing as private anymore in the world of the internet. Heck, they can hack your utility company and get your information that way.

The only way to truly protect yourself is to take yourself completely off the grid. Power, utilities, cable, internet, smart phones, credit cards, bank accounts, debit cards, etc. can all be hacked and your information stolen.

There is no such thing as privacy and security anymore. At least Spotify is being upfront, open, and honest about it. I respect them more for that than other companies that are doing it and not telling me about it.

So, either take yourself off everything...pay everything in cash or gold bars.

OR just let everyone abuse you. Right?

Sorry, those extremes don't work for me. For me, I protect what I can protect and I do everything within my powers to cut down on exposing me and my family. Sure, my power company can be hacked...but that does not mean that I become a whore and just throw my information out there for everyone to see and use.

Bad analogy (mind not great this morning )...do you change your oil in your car? Why? You can probably make it to 50k or more never changing your oil with today's modern oils. Even with changing your oil, your engine may still break. So why do it at all?

I like to decrease the RISK of damage...I understand that sometimes things are out of my control...but I do best with what I CAN control.

And no, I do NOT respect a company that mines my (and family) data whether they are open or close about it.

 

[MtnT4R]

Seems to me that not many people realize that the public are CONSUMERS. That's all we are. Looking at the big picture, we primarily exist to work jobs so we can buy goods and services. Every piece of technology we buy to make our lives easier are absolutely going to be configured to learn more about our habits so these companies can provide targeted goods and services to extract more money from our wallets. Our privacy went bye-bye when we moved off subsistence farms and ranches and into urban environments.

As unfortunate as it is, Spotify hit the nail on the head; you either consent to an absolute lack of privacy, or just don't use all these nifty goods and services that make your lives so comfortable. Nobody is stopping you from living off the grid and making everything yourself, and in fact plenty of people still live that way. But most people would rather have their friggin gadgets and social media than actually open their eyes to the fact that we are all financial slaves in expensive cages.

Of course people will try to protect themselves and their families, reduce exposure of sensitive information, whatever, but honestly you're fooling yourselves if you think its really all that effective. We already know that the govt knows basically everything there is to know about any electronic emission any of us have ever made, and if they do, then the private contract companies that provide the hardware and software do, and so does any other company you contract services from that know your name, email address, credit card info, etc. Its already gone.

Besides, what do you have to hide that anyone would find so interesting? we all act like we are special creatures and people want to steal our photos, or learn what we ate for dinner that we posted on facebook. its all garbage. the only things anyone will be after is your money, and we all know financial records are stolen every day. So, it really is pretty black and white; either expose yourself to risk and play in the system, or use cash and very few carefully selected electronics.

 

[wadle5]

Isn't this what facebook is doing with their messenger service app. If on your phone using the app you are required to download the messenger app and cannot send messages in the actual facebook app. But like others said I just didn't download the app.
Now the spotify thing sucks, because I love the app and the selection. I guess what is the purpose for their disclaimer and why is all that access necessary in the first place. It does seem like it has become just the norm for companies to post this, and I do think most of society sees this as not an issue.

 

[Thai]

Follow up: Spotify says sorry after privacy policy anger - BBC News

The invasion is for future products/features. The question is...how will the information be used...and what if Spotify gets hacked, then will your information be protected with encryption or wide open (such as with home depot hack)?

 

[cashmoney]

Seems to me that not many people realize that the public are CONSUMERS. That's all we are. Looking at the big picture, we primarily exist to work jobs so we can buy goods and services. Every piece of technology we buy to make our lives easier are absolutely going to be configured to learn more about our habits so these companies can provide targeted goods and services to extract more money from our wallets. Our privacy went bye-bye when we moved off subsistence farms and ranches and into urban environments.

As unfortunate as it is, Spotify hit the nail on the head; you either consent to an absolute lack of privacy, or just don't use all these nifty goods and services that make your lives so comfortable. Nobody is stopping you from living off the grid and making everything yourself, and in fact plenty of people still live that way. But most people would rather have their friggin gadgets and social media than actually open their eyes to the fact that we are all financial slaves in expensive cages.

Of course people will try to protect themselves and their families, reduce exposure of sensitive information, whatever, but honestly you're fooling yourselves if you think its really all that effective. We already know that the govt knows basically everything there is to know about any electronic emission any of us have ever made, and if they do, then the private contract companies that provide the hardware and software do, and so does any other company you contract services from that know your name, email address, credit card info, etc. Its already gone.

Besides, what do you have to hide that anyone would find so interesting? we all act like we are special creatures and people want to steal our photos, or learn what we ate for dinner that we posted on facebook. its all garbage. the only things anyone will be after is your money, and we all know financial records are stolen every day. So, it really is pretty black and white; either expose yourself to risk and play in the system, or use cash and very few carefully selected electronics.

You said it more eloquently than I did.

 

[Thai]

Of course people will try to protect themselves and their families, reduce exposure of sensitive information, whatever, but honestly you're fooling yourselves if you think its really all that effective.

Besides, what do you have to hide that anyone would find so interesting? we all act like we are special creatures and people want to steal our photos, or learn what we ate for dinner that we posted on facebook. its all garbage. the only things anyone will be after is your money, and we all know financial records are stolen every day. So, it really is pretty black and white; either expose yourself to risk and play in the system, or use cash and very few carefully selected electronics.

You added this later...and I never saw it till now...oh maybe I was blind earlier!

The government or IRS can look at me all day long...NOT my concern. It is the 3rd party that I worry about. I am sure that the NSA has a key hidden somewhere to see my data...I am OK with this.

But, am I ok with some hacker getting my info? No! And I do my best to protect against it. Thus, I stay away from services that provide no encryption on the "other end" (server side)...because IF that server is hacked, then everything about you is exposed for everyone to see and abuse.

You're correct on that last sentence...thus, I pick services that limit my exposure. That's my point.

Again, NSA knowing my credit card number (or any other sensitive info; e.g. SS#) is not a concern of mine...BUT some hacker in China or Nigeria knowing my social security number IS a concern of mine. And that hacker is what I try my best to prevent.

 

[fourwd1]

NSA ?
No Such Agency

 

[AudiTech]

Nobody is stopping you from living off the grid and making everything yourself, and in fact plenty of people still live that way.

That is absolutely not true. They are trying to stop that. It's illegal to collect rain water on you're own property in places. There are people with completely self sustaining off the grid homes that are being told they need to move out of their house because if it's not tied into the the local utility services which makes it legally an "uninhabitable" property. Privacy is a thing of the past. Hell even being homeless is a crime in many places.

 

[Thai]

Don't want your private data being spied on? Don't use anything involving the internet. Simple as that. Doesn't matter how private or as good of a security a company has, hackers will crack it if they want.

Of course people will try to protect themselves and their families, reduce exposure of sensitive information, whatever, but honestly you're fooling yourselves if you think its really all that effective.

Take Ashley Madison hack recently. (I swear that i never heard of that site until a few days ago! )

You guys are right...companies and people get hacked all the time. With Madison hack, the hackers went right into the servers and got EVERYTHING...emails, texts, pics, credit card info, etc.. (Ashley Madison apparently belongs to a bigger company in Canada...so, this is not some small site that got hacked.)

This could happen to Spotify, Google, Yahoo, Microsoft, etc..

Why is end-to-end encryption good? Even if the hackers hacked into (for example) Apple servers, the data there are encrypted...and the KEY is with the consumer. So, if the Madison hackers broke into Apple, then they still have nothing. But for companies that lack end-to-end encryption, your data is exposed...and you could be subject to internet blackmail.

As noted above, i do not care about NSA...it is these HACKERS that i try my best to protect myself (and family) from.

 

[cashmoney]

And again, if you are connected to the internet you are vulnerable. Period. End of story. Doesn't matter how good of encryption you or anyone else has. If they want it they'll get it. Just like stealing your car.

 

[Thai]

And again, if you are connected to the internet you are vulnerable. Period. End of story. Doesn't matter how good of encryption you or anyone else has. If they want it they'll get it. Just like stealing your car.

So, do you leave your key on the dash and doors unlocked? Do you not arm your alarm? Do you leave your house doors open too at night?

Tell me where you live and what color 4runner you drive!

 

[cashmoney]

I lock my doors for peace of mind. Not because I actually expect it to stop anyone. Same reason I use special lug nuts on my wheels. Maybe it gives me a few seconds or a minute to pull the shotty out and gut shot the sob breaking in but in reality they will be in and gone before I get that pleasure.