> As one who's never trusted my data to Google I really am curious why so many actually do so.
I expect that most users think on the same level as they do with metadata: "I have nothing to hide so can't be a possible target." And if an algorithm suddenly marks them as a target (for whatever I transparent reason) they do not understand that they might just be "collateral damage" …
My IT world view was formed in the 90s when various proprietary file formats became more or less inaccessible due to "software obsolescence"). Which told me that only more or less plain text (mark-up is fine, as it is text too) will guarantee that I can access my data years later. People who started their live with Big Tech (so-called digital natives -- or is that naives? ;-) might have to learn this sooner or later.
Right, having managed IT I understand the proprietary formats problem well. My two axioms are - use plaintext wherever possible, and second, before you commit to a new program always check its export features to ensue you don't get locked in.
I expect that most users think on the same level as they do with metadata: "I have nothing to hide so can't be a possible target." And if an algorithm suddenly marks them as a target (for whatever I transparent reason) they do not understand that they might just be "collateral damage" …
My IT world view was formed in the 90s when various proprietary file formats became more or less inaccessible due to "software obsolescence"). Which told me that only more or less plain text (mark-up is fine, as it is text too) will guarantee that I can access my data years later. People who started their live with Big Tech (so-called digital natives -- or is that naives? ;-) might have to learn this sooner or later.