The difference is, neither Apple or Microsoft share the data they collect. TomTom, on the other hand, does.

While they maintain a position that all user data is anonymous, they do share it with government officials, specifically, the traffic information. Not only that, but TomTom also shares vehicular speed data, allowing the police to place speed-deterring cameras at known speeding hotspots. So while the data from individual vehicles remains secret, the fact that TomTom customers speed is not. A direct quote from the company addresses the situation:

We are now aware that the police have used traffic information that you have helped to create to place speed cameras at dangerous locations where the average speed is higher than the legally allowed speed limit. We are aware a lot of our customers do not like the idea and we will look at if we should allow this type of usage [emphasis added by editor].

While the adherence to keeping its customers anonymous, is it much of a stretch to think law enforcement agencies will want more from this technology? Perhaps a daily list of speeders they can send snail mail tickets to? Is that too much of a tin foil approach? Perhaps, but considering the way the US government has already ignored a user’s right to privacy concerning wireless tech, perhaps not.

TomTom users can opt out of the data collection aspect of using the device, provided the conspiracy against them is getting a little too close for comfort. Apparently, and perhaps thankfully, the TomTom company is a little embarrassed by the news concerning their data collection protocols, and so, CEO Harold Goddijn has been making the rounds in an attempt to salve any wounds:

There will be no revenue sharing, just an opportunity for companies to connect with Facebook users’ network of friends. If enough companies take advantage of it, Facebook could find itself beyond social network status, and square into portal territory.

The WSJ gives an example of an online retailer that builds a widget within Facebook that recommends books and music according to users’ stated preferences within their network of friends.

Though Facebook has allowed companies to set up pages on its site, this new offering is the first time companies would be allowed to directly interact with the users.

The question remaining then, clearly, is in regard to privacy. We could assume that Facebook has the foresight to address the type of information it will provide third-party users, and promise protection of sensitive information.

Deep Jive Interests blogger Tony Hung, explores a rather disturbing possibility:

What I do wonder is if any of them will *also* try collect Facebook data as well for their own databases and lists; whether this could be done sneakily as part of some automated scripts, or old school squeeze page styles….

But what I do mean is, say, amongst people who are recommending books at a bookstore, if that bookstore, for example, could collect the profiles of people who are sharing and having that conversation.

As Mike Sachoff has reported, social network user data is highly valuable to marketers, and plans to peddle it are already in the works.
 

Google recently announced its plans to implement new privacy practices concerning user data, with such information becoming anonymous after a period of 18 to 24 months. While the move is a step in the right direction on the industry level, one wonders when the government might step in and enact privacy legislation of its own.

This is the cry from Microsoft, who over the past several month has released numerous statements and manifestos outlining the current state of user privacy, and what steps could be taken to ensure the security of a user’s data.

In its latest statement on the matter, the company urges lawmakers to step up in developing current legislation to tackle the issue of privacy:

On the legal front, we at Microsoft believe the United States needs an all-inclusive, uniform privacy law that will give consumers more control over their personal data and more reason for confidence in providing information to legitimate businesses and other organizations. With the flow of information becoming increasingly global, we also see a growing need to align U.S. law with current and emerging privacy standards in the rest of the world.

In his report from the Open Data Conference, Loren Feldman of 1938 Media reports that Comcast has been in the business of selling user information to third party advertisers for some time now, and estimates that a single user’s data is worth about forty cents.

So maybe Microsoft is right on the money here by appealing lawmakers to get involved, because if Comcast is any example, the Internet industry sure isn’t going to police itself.