Re:I don't understand this privacy thing fully... (Score 1)

What is so terrible about directed marketing (NOT SPAM), but advertising targeted at a particular group of people? If no names are exchanged and there is no government conspiracy, is there really an issue?

Identifiers (names) have to be exchanged to keep track of which customers belong to which groups. The goal of these data gathering companies is to create profiles and sell them like a credit report.

Want to rent an apartment? Your land lord will buy a copy of your profile and make sure you haven't been visiting the 'wrong' sites. Want a job? Your employer will buy a copy of your profile and read a few of your Slashdot posts (comments like yours won't form any roadblocks). Witness for a trial? Lawyers for both sides will know your life story inside and out.

There is a huge market for personal profiles. Corporations are fighting to keep that market open.