The equivocation represented by this statement is exactly why large tech companies must be broken up:
“And this new school of thought, which I think is a logical one, is that actually, given the role of technology in society, we do need to think about the impact on our privacy. “
The idea that only money matters - that privacy, or ethics, or morality, or trust can be ignored - is outrageous and deeply disappointing. Those tech leaders who must come to learn the “new school” of thought have lost all humanity and decency.
The lawyer in this article’s discussion is trying to do the right thing. But the operating assumptions - the ideas and people he is trying to change - are bankrupt of life, decency and hope.
1
This interview provided no insights
2
Pretending like Microsoft isn’t a major offender is problematic. They have some of the worst default privacy settings I’ve seen out of all the big tech companies. They collect vast troves of data from users unwittingly and resell it to advertisers. They have just learned how to play well with regulators. Giving them a pass here is bad reporting.
1
Wow, Mr. Smith sure does know how to talk like a lawyer. Of course, he says very little, and he commits himself to nothing that really matters -- so he's truly a great lawyer.
It's ridiculous to think that tech will voluntarily sacrifice profits and power for social good or patriotism. It's that simple.
Now I'll turn it back over to Mr. Smith to twist my simple assertion into something only a corporate lawyer could understand.
3
I almost admire the rhetoric of corporate speak. Simple sentences that pretend to communicate, but say nothing.
10