Ever go from website to website and wonder, “Why is my last website putting an ad on this current one?” Advertisers are working with telecom spies to do just that. Telecom giant AT&T believes it has a solution. But does it require paying for privacy?
In Kansas City, MO, AT&T is experimenting with newer, faster Internet service. This faster service will cost you $70 a month. But if you want to stop the telecom spying and pesky ads following you everywhere, you have to pay an extra $29 a month. So now you’re looking at $99 a month, before taxes. They tried the same thing in Austin, TX back in fall 2013. They even admit that when you choose the cheaper option, your web browsing tailors to advertisers to serve your favorite interests. I’m glad somebody finally has a privacy option, even if it is $360 a year. That’s no loaf of bread, I don’t care how good the economy is, allegedly. However, to get the discount, you can expect to give up a lot of data to telecom and Internet companies and advertisers.
I hate to say it, but that’s the nature of the beast. How do you think you get Facebook, Twitter, You Tube and other social media sites are for free? Someone has to be paying for it. But there has been a huge outcry for privacy rights over the last few years. And many people want to be left alone. So I think this is a good business move for AT&T to provide privacy. But you have to love privacy from advertisers so much you’re willing to pay almost $400 a year for it. I’m willing to bet there are many who will pay. I know the telecom spies and ads can be annoying, but would you rather pay extra? And do you see this paying for privacy trend becoming the new normal?