I see those databases as the key tool that I interact with most of those services and how, as the person developing services for the same services, I can improve them. If the information there is wrong, I’m happy to correct it.
From experience, if the information is true, appropriate and sensical, the benefits are clear and valued by both parties. There is a problem when they are wrong and the user can’t provide feedback.
> such a database could be used for manipulation, blackmail, fraud
Which is why I refuse to keep private information about me accessible to a company whose security practices I don’t trust.
Your private information is collected and shared no matter if you refuse or not. The biggest offenders are US companies, where there are no laws offering customers access to information about them or the possibility to delete or correct it.
From experience, if the information is true, appropriate and sensical, the benefits are clear and valued by both parties. There is a problem when they are wrong and the user can’t provide feedback.
> such a database could be used for manipulation, blackmail, fraud
Which is why I refuse to keep private information about me accessible to a company whose security practices I don’t trust.
I’m not sure your condescension hits the mark.