Ask HN: Why does your company PII-wall software and documentation?

I frequently encounter websites that demand that I fill in some personal information (many don't authenticate it at all) before permitting me to download software or documentation. Frequently it's a hardware vendor (e.g., ST Micro). I find it an annoying waste of time and always fill out those forms with garbage.

Why does you company do this and what value do you derive from this anti-user behavior? I'm hoping to hear from folks working at companies that actually do this, rather than speculation from folks who don't.