6 chapters across the catalog
A segment on data profiling explores how internet users are categorized by political belief, race, and income to manipulate the news they see. The hosts recall the early promises of the internet and RSS, which were supposed to allow users to customize their own news flow. Instead, they argue, algorithms now perform this customization automatically to create echo chambers and facilitate censorship.
Spotify Dog Playlists, Data Profiling and Emotional Information
Spotify has introduced a feature allowing users to create music playlists for their pets. The hosts characterize this as a sophisticated data-profiling exercise designed to capture personal emotional information about the owners. By answering questions about their dog's personality, users are inadvertently providing Spotify with deep psychological data for their algorithms.
Bank Data Privacy, Facebook and Financial Profiling
The discussion focuses on reports that Facebook has requested customer transaction data from major banks like JPMorgan Chase to build more detailed user profiles. The hosts question the legality of banks sharing such sensitive information and express concern over the "closing loop" of data between financial institutions and social media giants.
Amazon's Expansion into the Advertising Network Business
Amazon is rapidly expanding its advertising business, leveraging the massive amount of consumer data it collects through Whole Foods, Audible, and its primary retail platform. The hosts express alarm at the level of detailed profiling Amazon can perform, combining purchase history with entertainment and dietary habits.
Shadow Profiles and Tracking Non-Facebook Users
A congresswoman confronts Zuckerberg regarding Facebook's collection of data on individuals who do not have accounts. The hosts discuss "canvas profiling" and the technical reality that users are tracked via hash codes and Wi-Fi data even when location sharing is disabled.
Credit Card Data Mining and Consumer Profiling
Financial institutions and companies like Federal Express use sophisticated data mining to profile consumer behavior and detect suspicious patterns. The US government is reportedly seeking access to all credit card transaction data to monitor political affiliations and spending habits. Specific purchase patterns, such as buying gas and Nikes in quick succession, can trigger automatic account freezes.
