It appears that Charter Communicatons, perhaps in an effort to put more cash into their coffers has agreed to sell information regarding their customers viewing habits to Nielsen Co. While this act will currently effect only those customers in L.A. (roughly 330,00 subscribers) we all know how quickly things can spread and get out of control.
Lest I spook some people I'll clarify about what Charter is selling. They will be selling the information that is garnered from subscribers digital set-top-boxes. This data will allow advertisers and tv programmers to have a better idea of what people are watching. Some of the acquired information will be what channel a box is tuned to oe whether it' a show is recording. According to Jim Heneghan senior v.p. of ad sales for Charter " there will be no way to trace the information back to any household" I'm sure Mr. Heneghan's word will allay any concerns Charter's customers might have regarding the disclosure of any of their personal info, not matter how trite it might seem to Charter. Riiight!!!
Charter Communications will be paid by Nielsen who will then turn around and resell this data to their clients. Who knows how many more times this information will be sold. Once the ball starts rolling who know's when it will finally stop.
Now I don't know about you but I am sick and tired of the companies I do business with selling my information to anyone with a buck. I don't recall Charter or anyone else for that matter asking me personally if they could sell my information. Nor do I recall signing any release forms giving them the right to do so. If anyone is to gain financially by the selling of my then it should be me. I feel that anyone company who sell my info without my express written consent sholud be held legally accountable.
It's bad enough that the goverment is peeking, poking, spying and yes perhaps even selling information about it's citizens. There's also a slew of companies already out there that broker in selling peoples personal information alebit without consent. Do we really need a cable company getting into the act of selling their customers information. Enough already.
