Personal data Goliath AKA Facebook just disclosed (involuntarily) that the personal information on as many as 50 MILLION of the users was taken by a subcontractor to target the users for political purposes.  An example, “they” would know where you live and would send you a series of emails whenever there is a political rally or demonstration in your area.  From reading your comments, “they” would slap a label on you, as a Democrat or Republican.  If “they” think you’re a racist, then you will receive emails reinforcing that emotion.  Although not yet certain, it is thought this was the channel that Russia used to influence our last election.

But wait — why would Americans be more infuriated about this, than the Equifax breach, when the personal data of 150 MILLION people was hacked?  We know anybody can be hacked, but we don’t expect to be betrayed.

People using social media think they are clients.  Instead, they are the product.  Their personal information is sold to advertisers, who identify potential clients or buyers.

It has almost been fifty years ago since Joe McGinniss wrote his iconic The Selling of the President 1968, explaining that getting a person’s vote is no different than selling a box of laundry detergent.  There is a seller with a product, and there is a buyer.  The object of advertising is getting them together.  We expect our political candidates to solicit our vote.  We don’t expect Russians to solicit our vote for their candidate!

If the Russians will pay money to ask for my vote, what is the difference with them directly paying me $100 for my vote?  Can I walk down the street, holding a sign saying “vote for sale?”

The first step to maintaining any tiny piece of privacy is to get off social media.  Good luck with finding a second step!

I pray that I am not the last American who cares about privacy, but I do get lonely . . .