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Comment by ska | Hacker News Reader

   Why should a government be able to coerce a private organization into providing data?

Perhaps when it is benefiting from public infrastructure in the activities that generate that data? Not sure where I come down on this one but it isn't a crazy argument.

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We already pay for the public infrastructure through taxation. If the degree of taxation isn't suitable given the degree of use, there could be a corporate tax rate (I wouldn't support that, but it isn't unheard of).

This does not, however, give the government a blank check on an individual or a business's rights. We don't barter our rights for public benefits - we pay for them through taxation.

Are you a driver paying, for example, the gas tax? Then you are already funding that infrastructure.

If only it were that simple. Are you aware of anywhere where usage taxes cover all of the infrastructure?

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