Is eBay being used to gather info?

Most folks I know have eBay accounts, and yes I am guilty as well. But I admit I make a pretty penny converting my finds into money.

Taking the popularity of eBay into account, it is no wonder that the powers that be could find a way to use eBay to learn more about us.

I posted in this forum because I'm not sure what to make of this, but it creeps me out a bit. For about the last 2 weeks or so, whenever I log into My Ebay, I get a screen asking if I want to enter some eBay contest. I usually hit the "continue to My EBay" button and never wanted to join the contest.

Tonight I had some free time and thought maybe I'd enter the contest. The entry form shocked me, they wanted to know all kinds of details including date of birth. To register on eBay (granted, I registered 10 years ago), all I needed to give them was my name and mailing address. Of course I used a slight variation of my real name and a "mailing" address (wink, wink, nudge, nudge).

I understand that different areas have different laws regarding how old one must be to claim a prize, but it asked specifically for a DOB, not just a little checkbox to the effect of "check here if you are 18 years of age or older...."

I dunno...I just wanted to put this idea out for you all to consider...maybe I'm being overly paranoid...but I think something's a bit odd about the amount of detailed info on a contest entry form...

There are LOTS of sites that ask for specific information when doing something as simple as signing up. Specific mailing and residence addresses, and exact date of birth for example. They have their reasons. I never enter the correct information anyway. Why should I?

Well if they do, they've no doubt accumulated a pretty accurate portrait of how I spend my free time.

I can just picture the "Psychological Makeup Processing Department" (or PMPD for short) far beneath the Swiss Alps. Gigantic and ancient steam powered logic engines processing information from the darkest corners of the globe.

>>SUBJUCT ID: 1299,796,698:FQ:776,665>CLASSIFICATION: GEEK>LIKES LADYTRON>GEEK CHIC

No offense, but you are being WAAAAAAAAAAAY paranoid over nothing.

Granted, your original idea holds alot of merit. The government used AT&T to gather private phone records of its citizens, so Im sure they could, if not already, be using various popular internet websites and services.

However, asking for your date of birth is NOT something that would send up red flags for me. In fact, ever site where you register for some contest or shopping or what have you asks for it. Ticking a box to say you are over 18 is simply not good enough, and is more the stuff of porn sites.

No, I'd only be worried if they started asking things like your political party or views, your opinion of the current administration, detailed shopping habits and details on sites you visit, or questions about specific things in your home.

Its not like the government doesnt already know your date of birth, and your date of birth alone is not enough info to track anyone.

Originally posted by watch_the_rocks
There are LOTS of sites that ask for specific information when doing something as simple as signing up. Specific mailing and residence addresses, and exact date of birth for example. They have their reasons. I never enter the correct information anyway. Why should I?

I have a website and I have oscommerce on it...the oscommerce registration form asks user who want to registrer for the name, surname, age, address, and everything else...
there are millions of oscommerce installations like mine arround and they all call for this data, its the way it is...it´s a matter of safety...

if imput wrong personal info like street address on my website and the purchase something how can I know where to ship the goods?

I would be more concerned about google cokies that only expire in the year 2036

You are a VERY paranoid individual!

I dont understand either why the government or some other organisation would want everyone on earths DOB. Oh my god, this horrific mob has gained some statistical information!

Also if you believe that its the government who is behind this, try looking at your birth certificate ... in the UK at least this details much more interesting information than your date of birth...

Thanks for all the replies.

I do not think I am being overly paranoid, for I order merchandise online all the time and have never before been asked my DOB. Then again, the only "mainstream" site I visit or do commerce with is eBay. I guess the sharing of personal info is the norm these days, I'm just not a part of the norm!

HUH ?

ebay already have the following :

my bank account ANDmy visa card , my home adress , my real name etc

i am unsure if i ever gave ebay / paypal my b/day - but if they cannot figure out who i am from the above data , i am not sure what sudden difference my birthday will make

may i suggest getting out more ?

What about when someone posts a link on this website or a like minded website requiring a sign up? Do you use real info?

A side note when I sign up for something online I make a known error to see if junk mail stems from it. If I am forced to use email address I mispell my name if i have to use my address I mispell my name. If i don't need to use my address I use falso info.