Distinction in travel journalism
Is independent travel journalism important to you?
Click here to keep it independent

22 Sep, 2013

How ‘Big Data’ pings you as a spender – Sydney Morning Herald

You might think ”junk mail” but the pamphlet in your letterbox addressed ”to the homeowner” is probably there for a reason.

It may not name you but the company behind the pamphlet trying to win your business knows about your suburb, and your spending habits.

“Big Data” is the latest technological advance in how companies market their products to consumers. This technology utilises a number of data sets stripped of people’s names, including supermarket loyalty card data and bank transactions.

But the trend has also opened up myriad privacy concerns.

Peter Coroneos, former head of the Internet Industry Association, said consumers are surrendering more information about themselves than they realise.

Read the rest: How ‘Big Data’ pings you as a spender.