Funny, I was checking my feeds this morning and came across a ‘free’ white paper on creating a framework for information security governance. I wanted to check it out so I went to the site, clicked on the ‘free pdf’ link and was directed to a page where I had to fill out at least 10 fields of information about me.

I don’t know if that’s ironic, but I consider my personal information valuable. I know it’s worth money- if not by sale to third-parties then to the companies who collect it that can behaviourly target their advertising to me. So the first thing I thought was: “this paper is not free.”

I don’t know if my job makes me paranoid about my personal information, but I do find myself asking more questions these days. Like when I shop…

About a month or two ago, I bought a couple of pairs of shoes at Skechers. At the point of purchase I was asked for my postal code. I am the salesperson’s pain in the ass at this point because I always ask why they need it. Partly to see if they are PIPEDA compliant and partly because I really do wonder why they need to know exactly where I live. Also, I tend to be entertained by the look of panic on the cashier’s face when they remember from their training (hopefully) that they have to have an answer or find someone who does. In the case with the shoes, it was for any future returns- so I consented.

I’m always impressed when a company displays the info they collect before a purchase. The Canadian government does a good job in giving retailers the tools they need to do this without having to spend bucks on lawyers.

What information are you giving out when you shop? And when you think that you don’t – remember those reward cards you keep in your wallet.