Fact Check: "Information about your activity on this service can be stored and combined with other information about you"
What We Know
The claim that "Information about your activity on this service can be stored and combined with other information about you" is supported by various privacy policies from reputable organizations. For instance, the University of Maryland Privacy Policy explicitly states that Personally Identifiable Information (PII) includes "Internet or network activity, including browsing history, search history, and information regarding an identifiable individual’s interaction with an internet website, application, or advertisement." This indicates that the university collects and retains data about users' online activities, which can be combined with other personal information.
Similarly, the Cloud Storage Security Privacy Policy mentions that they collect personally identifiable information and may use cookies to track user activity, which allows for the combination of this data with other information for targeted advertising. This practice is common among many online services, as noted in various privacy policies, including those from major tech companies like Google (Google Cloud Privacy Notice).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim comes from established privacy policies that outline how organizations collect, use, and store user data. The University of Maryland's policy is particularly robust, detailing the types of PII collected and the legal framework governing its use. This policy is credible as it is an official document from a recognized educational institution, approved by the university's president, and reflects compliance with various privacy laws.
On the other hand, the Cloud Storage Security Privacy Policy also provides a clear explanation of data collection practices, although it is less formal than the university's policy. While this policy indicates a commitment to user privacy, the effectiveness of its implementation may vary, and the credibility of the source should be considered in the context of its operational scope.
The combination of data from different sources is a common practice in the digital landscape, as noted in the Google Privacy Policy, which explains how user data can be aggregated for various purposes, including improving services and targeting advertisements. This further supports the claim that user activity can indeed be stored and combined with other information.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "Information about your activity on this service can be stored and combined with other information about you" is substantiated by multiple privacy policies from credible sources. These documents outline the collection and use of Personally Identifiable Information, including user activity data, which can be aggregated with other data. The transparency in these policies indicates a recognition of the practice, aligning with the claim made.
