Don't be a User. Embrace Privacy and Be a Customer.

Don't be a User. Embrace Privacy and Be a Customer.

25 July 2023

By Talal Thabet. CEO and Co-Founder at Haltia.AI

Ok so we F'd Up. But I hope we learnt our lessons. They gave us tech that we used for free and we used it for years. Now we know based on the several congressional hearings and more, that we have been used. Used for our data. Let's just say that for now. Now with AI and the relaunch of the digital age, technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, offering convenience, connectivity, and endless possibilities. However, this convenience often comes at a cost - our privacy. The dichotomy between being a customer and a mere user in the tech world can significantly impact how our data is treated. Let us explore why it is better to be a customer and pay for your privacy rather than being a user whose data is exploited for the benefit of a tech company's returns.

Let's first understand the difference. The terms "customer" and "user" may appear synonymous, but in the context of technology, they have distinct connotations. A user typically refers to an individual who engages with technology, be it a website, app, or digital service. This passive role implies that users have little control over how their data is collected, stored, and utilized. On the other hand, a customer implies an active engagement - someone who pays for a product or service and, in turn, gains a certain level of control and accountability from the tech company. A customer can demand quality, customer experience, customer service, and most of all delivery on a promise that should not be broken or else it should be considered a breach of contract. Arguably a user doesn't have that right.

Should you have data privacy concerns? For damn sure! As a user, your data is the lifeblood of tech companies. They analyze user behavior, preferences, and habits to optimize their offerings and, in some cases, monetize this data through targeted advertising. This trade-off often leaves users vulnerable to privacy breaches and potential misuse of their personal information. Most people say, "if I am not doing anything wrong, I have nothing to fear." that's ridiculous. Of course you are not doing anything wrong. But one should consider that your daily habits, and preferences can be used by the wrong people to profile you and target you in ways that can steal your identity and or worse.?

In contrast, when you become a paying customer, you establish a clear relationship with the tech company. Paying for a product or service can give you leverage to demand greater transparency about data practices and ensure that your data remains secure.

Empowering data ownership is the way we can resolve the issue of tech companies having so much power over societies. Being a customer implies a sense of ownership over your data. When you invest in a tech service, you gain the right to know what data is collected, how it is used, and who has access to it. This empowerment fosters trust and allows you to make informed decisions about which tech companies align with your privacy values.

Enhanced data security is already the norm for most tech companies, but they do it for themselves and for their competitive advantage rather than the user. However, as a customer, tech companies invest in data security measures to safeguard their customers' information and with some, they are designed at the core to do so. Companies like Haltia.AI for example. As a paying customer, you are more likely to receive better data protection since companies value their customers and reputations. This stands in stark contrast to being a user, where your data might be subject to less stringent security protocols.

Supporting ethical practices is a priority for most customers. In a sense you are changing the world and standing with data ownership empowerment. By paying for your privacy, you are indirectly supporting tech companies that prioritize ethical data handling. These companies are less reliant on data exploitation for revenue, focusing instead on delivering quality products and services. Your support helps shape a market where privacy-conscious practices are encouraged and rewarded.

Reducing unsolicited targeted advertising becomes a thing of the past, which allows the customer to live without having to be weary of every unwarranted message. As a customer, you can avoid the constant barrage of invasive targeted advertisements that result from data mining. Instead, you can expect a more personalized experience without compromising your privacy. This creates a healthier online environment and fosters genuine connections between customers and brands.

Only tech companies and drug dealers call their customers USERS. Don't be a user. Be a customer and take control of your privacy. It grants you control over your data, bolsters data security, and fosters a more ethical tech industry. Data is the new oil and technology remains an indispensable aspect of modern life. It is vital for the growth of tech in the right direction that we all recognize that our data is valuable and deserving of protection. It forces tech companies to become more ethical. Unfortunately we are now so use to getting everything for free. Music. Social networks. Video content. I guess the question is will we be able to change our habits not to protect?