Wacom tablets track every app you open (robertheaton.com)

Article summary

A Wacom drawing tablet user discovered that the device's drivers track the name of every application opened on the computer and send this data to Google Analytics. The user investigated the type of data being sent and found that it includes information about the hardware device and technical session information. The Wacom privacy policy mentions the data collection, but the user felt that it was not entirely clear about the extent of the data being collected. The user was able to intercept the data being sent using a proxy server and found that it included the names of applications being used.

Main themes

• data collection
• user tracking
• privacy concerns
• transparency and consent
• device functionality
• data usage and analytics
• company motivations and ethics

What commenters say

• Some commenters argue that operating systems need to track app usage for legitimate purposes, but a third-party peripheral like a Wacom tablet does not.
• Others point out that the issue is not just about the data collection, but also about the lack of transparency and user consent.
• There is a debate about whether the data collection is necessary for the device's functionality or if it is an overreach by the company.
• Some commenters speculate that the data may be used for internal decision-making, such as prioritizing integrations and testing, while others believe it may be sold to data aggregators.
• A few commenters mention that other companies, such as Razer, have also been caught collecting user data without proper disclosure.
• Some argue that the fact that the data is being sent to a third-party server, such as Google Analytics, is a concern, regardless of the purpose of the data collection.
• Others suggest that users should be more aware of the data collection practices of the devices and software they use and take steps to opt out or decline agreements when possible.