The Atlantic

What Amazon Thinks You’re Worth

Shoppers were offered a $10 credit in exchange for handing over their browser data. It’s an investment that pays dividends for Amazon.
Source: Mark Lennihan / AP

The owner of a coffee shop approaches you with a $10 bill in hand. It’s yours if you submit to a battery of questions: How did you hear about the shop? How did you get here? Did you walk or take an Uber? They’re simple-enough questions with simple-enough answers. Of course you take the money.

Repeat this same thought experiment again, online: Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos approaches you while you browse,

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