Quote Originally Posted by Tim View Post
As Martin says Steve, it's not really a 'they', it's an algorithm collecting profile data - it's nothing new, been happening for years. Ever wondered how Shazam gets results so quickly? Google now asks you about listening for music and so many apps get installed where the user happily clicks accept without actually knowing what they are saying yes to and giving the app consent for. So we are actually saying it's OK, without really thinking it through.

My issue is normally a point of principle, in that it's hard to say no and we are not really given a choice anyway, it's all done by stealth. It should be very clear what you are agreeing to and you shouldn't be penalised for saying no.
I have wondered about Shazam before, but came to my own conclusion about how it worked. I decided it must be a recording device that converts analogue to digital and by referring to a database can identify a particular song. I thought this after hearing a live band one time doing a cover of Hotel California. I Shazam'd it, but it had no idea what the song was, despite it being a pretty faithful version.

Of course you or Martin will tell me what is really going on, and I would welcome that