Why is that billboard smiling at you? Because it tracks your smartphone MAC address to advertise

[suffragette]

56. Opting in, opting out and data privacy laws

I think a key difference here is that, in general, data privacy laws tend to be stronger in Europe than in the U.S. and there are organizations there that actually enforce these.
Also, they tend more toward opt in (favorable to citizens) where we tend more toward opt out (favorable to corporations).

It does get tricky when technology comes along and the lines are blurred.
Where is the line on anonymized and/or aggregate data?
Do old definitions encompass new technologies and uses?

Interesting article about the opt in/opt out issue. Also has linked to EU laws and guidance on data privacy.
http://gigaom.com/2013/08/09/when-youre-being-tracked-by-a-smart-trashcan-shouldnt-you-have-to-opt-in-first/

There's also some info in the comments section about connections to Presence Orb, Raptor and Cisco. Not sure what to make of that.