But I don't feel exploited, so nobody else can possibly be right? Surely, you don't need to ask that, since you know better already.
As long as what's going on is transparent -- which I think is something regulations are good for -- why is it exploitative? Are those rewards systems for filling out surveys also exploitative?
I wouldn't consider "middle of some license agreement" to be transparent enough, and I'm sure most people aren't fully aware of what data is tracked and how it can be used.
You give out very personal "services" in exchange for the money you desperately need. It is perfectly transparent that you are being exploited, but it is not like you have a choice.
If you think that is ridiculous hyperbole: Do you think any poor American actually has the luxury to say "No, I am happy to pay more for food."? I don't understand why you think that filling out surveys is even remotely related to covering basic needs, but if you think it is you must be very privileged.
By your reasoning, basically any kind of offer for almost anything can be construed as exploitative, because your working assumption is that a certain class of people is incapable of saying no to any kind of money or discount.
Even if this is true, that's an underlying problem with the system, not with any one actor.