which argument do you think is right?

[Robert]

Many businesses now use computer records to collect and track information on their customers' shopping habits — a strategy called data mining.

Retailers use this information to make decisions about what products to carry, or even to tailor their advertisements to particular customers who have bought specific products in the past. Businesses say the practice leads to better understanding of, and better service for, their customers, but consumer advocates worry that consumer privacy is at risk. Which argument do you believe is right?

[foo bear]

your question presents options in a false dichotomy -- both arguments (perspectives) are correct and valid.

retails that have more information about their customers and their habits can better tailor the shopping experience to the individual.

consumer advocates are also correct that privacy is at risk - because personal habits are being studied and exploited more for the benefit of the retailer than for the benefit of the customer. if this were any other context, it would be called "stalking."

however, what at the core of the issue is that security is not a state -- it's a process.

privacy concerns can be allayed as long as secure processes for managing and exploiting the data collected are in place and enforced. the problem is that perfect processes only exist in theory - reality is a harsh mistress.

the potential for abuse is still somewhat overwhelming though -- can you imagine what an unscrupulous store manager can do with access to that kind of data -- esp if store policy requires he/she have access to "better attain store sales objectives." the person could easily gain an upper hand and prey on the community with great anonymity (think blackmail, extortion followed by stalking and preying). that's why the currently accepted solution is the "nuclear proliferation" approach -- if collecting it is that dangerous, then don't allow its accumulation by heavy-handedly regulating the market for it. [in this case, prohibiting stores from doing this -- but again, enforcement becomes the issue.]

bottom line: expect NSA behavior -- the stores are going to do it anyway, and we're all going to have to live with the results. good/bad/right/wrong, 1984 has come and gone, and it's not just big government that's got its fingers in your cookie jar -- it's also big business and your nosy neighbors as well (not to mention Joe Q Public on the street with his video smartphone ready to upload to twitter at the press of a button.)