Leo, sorry to contradict you (in terms), but although everything you said was true, there are scores of studies showing that with modern data mining techniques, one *can* trace individual information using aggregate data. Data mining is a technology that is so advanced now that it escapes comprehension to even most seasoned IT professionals.
Now, it is true that most corporations aren't interested in particular individuals. But a particularly aggressive mass-mailer might, totalitarian governments (or branches thereof) might - remember the Internet is worldwide, it's not only used in the U.S., and even there your government's record of late is not exactly flawless in that respect... And identity theft gangs might be VERY, VERY interested in that. Remember they are huge now, extremely rich and well-organized, and difficult to trace and frame because they are internationally based and spread through many countries and continents. The world has no borders, and if Big Brother isn't (yet) watching you, someone else might be...
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A comment on: Just how do websites track or monitor our activity?
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23-Jul-2011