Sallie Mae Operates A Data Mining Operation Called Upromise

Upromise ^ | May 30, 2012 | Stayfree

[Stayfree]

In doing some research on coupon websites, we discovered that Sallie Mae is using what appears to be a harmless coupon website called Upromise to collect information on our pre-college age youth and sell it for a profit

[Stayfree]

The federal government should not be conducting data mining on its citizens regardless of age.

The federal government should not be conducting a for-profit operation competing with privately owned businesses.

The federal government should not be scamming our youth by offering pennies in benefits for huge profits derived from selling information about our youth.

[wbill]

I looked at Upromise for my kids' education.

It's a ripoff. Lots of work, you basically put your life (and your extended families' lives....they encourage this!) purchasing history into their hands, for a very minimal amount of money.

But, it's "For the Children". So it's all worthwhile. /sarc

[Boogieman]

Why would anyone be surprised? There’s nothing “free” on the internet, not free coupon websites, free screensavers, free ringtones, free movies, or even free web searches. Someone is paying to provide all those things, and they will cover the costs by advertising, data mining, downloading malware, or whatever other means they can think of.

[jdsteel]

I took a look at Upromise years ago and decided not to touch it with a 10 foot keyboard.

[nascarnation]

How much “profit” are they generating?

Is this shown in the federal budget, or is Sallie an “off-budget” listing?

[CornDog99]

ummm.....Sallie Mae isn’t a government entity....it was at one time, but is now a 100% publicly traded company with no affiliation whatsoever with any government ties.