In a world where online privacy is increasingly at risk, the recent move by Netflix to remove its Basic tier with ads comes as a breath of fresh air. As users eagerly await the release of their favorite shows and movies, they can now rest assured that their binge-watching experience will be uninterrupted by intrusive advertisements.
However, the battle for privacy doesn’t end there. Lawmakers have shifted their attention towards tax prep companies, investigating the alarming practice of data sharing.
With calls for enhanced privacy protections and e-filing options, taxpayers are demanding a secure and seamless experience. Join us as we delve into these pressing issues and explore the future of online privacy.
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The removal of the Basic tier by Netflix in the US, UK, and Canada means that subscribers will no longer have the option to access the platform with ads. Existing Basic subscribers can continue using the plan, but those who want to get rid of ads will now have to pay a higher price.
This decision by Netflix reflects the increasing demand for ad-free content. On another note, Democratic lawmakers are investigating tax preparation companies for sharing taxpayers’ data with Big Tech companies like Google and Meta.
This has raised concerns about privacy, as sensitive financial and biographical information may have been shared without proper anonymization. The discrepancies between claims and actual usage of tracking pixels have resulted in calls for greater transparency and privacy protections in the tax prep industry.
Congress is also pushing for comprehensive privacy legislation to hold companies accountable for privacy violations. The government is working on implementing a direct e-filing system to prevent data sharing and protect taxpayer information.
Key Points:
- Netflix removed the Basic tier in the US, UK, and Canada, eliminating the option for subscribers to access the platform with ads.
- Existing Basic subscribers can still use the plan, but those who want ad-free content will now have to pay a higher price.
- Democratic lawmakers are investigating tax preparation companies for sharing taxpayers’ data with Big Tech companies like Google and Meta.
- Concerns about privacy have been raised as sensitive financial and biographical information may have been shared without proper anonymization.
- Discrepancies between claims and actual usage of tracking pixels have resulted in calls for greater transparency and privacy protections in the tax prep industry.
- Congress is pushing for comprehensive privacy legislation to hold companies accountable for privacy violations and the government is working on implementing a direct e-filing system to protect taxpayer information.
Sources
https://www.vox.com/technology/2023/7/12/23792903/meta-google-taxact-hrblock-taxslayer-privacy-pixels-warren
https://9to5mac.com/2023/07/19/netflix-basic-gone/
https://www.ghacks.net/2023/07/18/how-to-turn-off-google-chromes-built-in-advertising-features/
https://www.wikihow.com/Turn-Off-Google-Ads
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💡 Pro Tips:
1. With the withdrawal of the Basic tier in Netflix, existing subscribers can still enjoy their plan without ads, but new subscribers will have to pay a higher price.
2. Democratic lawmakers are launching an investigation into tax preparation companies for sharing sensitive taxpayer data with Big Tech companies like Google and Meta.
3. The use of tracking pixels on tax prep companies’ websites has raised concerns about privacy violations and potential breaches of privacy laws.
4. It has been discovered that some tax prep companies falsely claimed to have anonymized user data, highlighting the need for greater transparency and accountability in the industry.
5. Congress is urging government agencies to conduct further investigations and potentially prosecute companies that have violated privacy laws by sharing users’ financial and biographical information without proper consent.
Netflix Withdraws Basic Tier With Ads In US, UK, and Canada
Netflix has made the decision to withdraw its Basic tier with ads in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. This move comes as a surprise to many subscribers who have become accustomed to the ad-supported option.
The Basic tier allowed users to enjoy their favorite shows and movies while also being subjected to advertisements. However, with the removal of this tier, Netflix aims to provide a more streamlined and ad-free experience for its users.
Existing Basic Subscribers Unaffected By The Change
While the Basic tier with ads has been withdrawn, existing subscribers who are currently on this plan will not be affected. They will be able to continue using the Basic tier as long as they remain subscribed.
This is good news for those who have grown used to the ad-supported model and may not be willing to pay extra for an ad-free experience.
Removal Of Basic Tier Increases Price For Ad-Free Experience
With the removal of the Basic tier, Netflix is now offering only ad-free plans to new subscribers. This means that those who wish to enjoy their favorite content without interruptions will have to choose a higher-tier plan, such as Standard or Premium.
While these plans offer a more seamless viewing experience, they also come with a higher price tag. This change, therefore, increases the cost for those who prefer to watch Netflix without the annoyance of advertisements.
Lawmakers Probe Tax Preparation Companies For Data Sharing With Big Tech
In recent news, democratic lawmakers have launched an investigation into tax preparation companies for their alleged sharing of taxpayers’ data with Big Tech companies. The concerns arise from the use of tracking pixels on tax prep companies’ websites, potentially violating privacy laws.
It is feared that sensitive financial and biographical information may have been shared without the explicit consent of taxpayers.
Tracking Pixels Potentially Violating Privacy Laws On Tax Prep Websites
Tracking pixels, which are invisible pieces of code embedded in websites, have become a common tool for collecting user data. However, their use on tax preparation companies’ websites has raised concerns about potential violations of privacy laws.
These tracking pixels can gather information about visitors to the website, including their browsing habits and personal details. If used without proper consent or anonymization techniques, they may infringe on users’ privacy rights.
The nature of the data handled by tax preparation companies raises additional concerns about the potential consequences of data sharing. These companies deal with sensitive financial and biographical information that must be treated with the utmost care and respect for user privacy.
By sharing this data with advertising companies, taxpayers’ personal information may be exposed to potentially malicious actors.
Tax preparation companies have claimed that the data shared with advertisers is anonymized to protect users’ identities. However, the recent inquiry has discovered discrepancies between these claims and the actual usage of tracking pixels.
It appears that the data was not properly anonymized, which further highlights the need for stricter privacy protections and transparency within the tax prep industry.
Lawmakers Demand Investigation and Prosecution Of Data-Sharing Practices
In response to these alarming findings, lawmakers are calling for a thorough investigation and prosecution of tax preparation companies that have violated privacy laws through their data-sharing practices. The protection of individuals’ private information should be a priority, and those companies found guilty of breaching privacy rights should face legal consequences.
The issues surrounding data sharing and the lack of transparency in the tax preparation industry underscore the urgent need for comprehensive privacy legislation. Such legislation would establish clear guidelines and consequences for privacy violations, ensuring that individuals’ personal information remains secure and protected.
In an effort to address this issue, the government is also developing a way for taxpayers to e-file their taxes directly to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). By bypassing third-party tax preparation companies, this method aims to prevent unauthorized data sharing and provide a more secure and private experience for taxpayers.
In conclusion, the withdrawal of Netflix’s Basic tier with ads marks a significant change in the streaming platform’s offerings. Existing subscribers will not be affected, but new users looking for an ad-free experience will have to pay a higher price.
Meanwhile, the investigation into tax preparation companies’ data-sharing practices with Big Tech raises concerns about privacy violations and the need for greater transparency and privacy protections within the tax prep industry. It is crucial for lawmakers to address these issues, potentially through comprehensive privacy legislation, to safeguard individuals’ personal information and ensure a secure digital environment for all.