Audio giant Bose has run into some trouble, with a class-action lawsuit alleging the company has been collecting and selling user data through its Bose Connect app without consent. The suit accuses the company of passing that data on to third parties, but Bose has rejected the claim in a statement.
Over at the LA Times, Michael Hiltzik examines the fine print behind the use of the app, questioning the actual customer utility of the app and pondering the broader ramifications of IoT devices which collect data on activities which are distinct from the function of the product itself.
In other news…
The New South Wales government’s transport authority has just unleashed a huge amount of data associated with the use of the Opal travel card, used on public transport. This is a win for planners and other analysts who are keen to see more up to date information on how people use the transport system. The data covers two weeks’ worth of train, bus and ferry usage and is available on the state’s open data portal.
Amazon has been knocking on Australia’s door for years, but recent moves suggest the company is coming sooner than later. The Australian takes a look at how data and analytics have helped the company’s massive success – and what that use of data will mean when it inevitably arrives here.
The Financial Review takes a slightly different take, analysing the impact Amazon’s investment in data and technology will have on the heavily bricks-and-mortar reliant local industry – and whether local players will be able to keep up.
WORTH A READ
- The Financial Review covers the open banking revolution happening in the UK and potential lessons for Australia given our recent parliamentary committee into the same topic.
- A new study shows younger people are more willing to share their personal data – as long as they get something in return. In this case, more detailed search functions that can anticipate needs or even emotions.
Until next week.