It's a pretty anti-science stance. Data is very rarely 'unnecessary'. The scientific method requires that you investigate and control as many variables as possible, because often things that you don't realize have far-reaching effects. Throwing that data away early is bad for your business, bad for your customers, and bad for society.
No, I don't think companies should be aggregating all data without regard for consequences of breach, but nor do I believe that cutting data is the answer. Consumers, nee, people, need to learn that 'their' data is not so special snowflake, and that aggregate data is a fantastic tool for making their lives better.
Actually, the scientific method involves coming up with a hypothesis first and then collecting data for it. What you are suggesting is called data fishing and is a major flaw in many so-called "scientific" studies...
No, I don't think companies should be aggregating all data without regard for consequences of breach, but nor do I believe that cutting data is the answer. Consumers, nee, people, need to learn that 'their' data is not so special snowflake, and that aggregate data is a fantastic tool for making their lives better.