undefined | Better HN

0 pointslovich7y ago0 comments

There are lots of laws against following someone and observing/recording every move they make.

Making some observations out your window of cars passing by is something no one ever had a problem with. Taking down every single identifier you could and coordinating with others to track that person, for a profit, is something that would not be kosher in meat space.

Why this different just because it's on a computer?

0 comments

wilsonnb7y ago

The laws you talk about are, I think, laws about stalking. I'm not aware of any laws that apply to that kind of thing if it happens on a massive scale. Singling someone out is an important part of stalking.

Keeping detailed information about everyone that enters your store isn't illegal, as far as I know. Especially not information that is gained from observation (what color shirt they're wearing, their IP address) and information that is submitted willingly (their name given for a reservation at a restaurant, their username).

jimmaswell7y ago

Would any of that actually be illegal in "meat space" as long as it didn't qualify as harassment?

lovichOP7y ago

Would any data collection on the "internet" actually be illegal as long as it didn't qualify as illegal data collection?

That's the whole point of the law is to say it's illegal, the same way laws made stalking people illegal

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse