In Response to Doug Kendall

Doug asked: Do you think this profiling is helpful or hurtful to consumers? Do companies take advantage of unknowing consumers or is it the consumers responsibility to know what they are making known to the public?

I think that tracking people's tendencies online for marketing purposes is unethical. I think of it almost as spying. I don't want companies tracking my footsteps just so they can try to sell me something.

I believe that yes, companies do take advantage of unknowing consumers when they track them without permission. Now, I think it is ok for companies to use information about people if those people gave it to them with permission. I also think that people are responsible for what information they give out, but if they are being tracked without their knowledge then what are they supposed to do? Never go on the internet? I don't think its right for companies to secretly track people.