Laws controlling the use of data, like those for credit reporting agencies, would help. So would laws on collection and sale of data. Tracker-blockers help a bit more, but they're an eternal battle.
What we need is new social norms. Most people don't point video cameras at their neighbors' windows, not out of fear of being caught, but because it's just wrong. Similar norms should apply online, and people and companies who do it should be shunned.
What we need is new social norms. Most people don't point video cameras at their neighbors' windows, not out of fear of being caught, but because it's just wrong. Similar norms should apply online, and people and companies who do it should be shunned.