(1) The fact that you have to give explicit permission for them to collect the data proves in and of itself that at least SOME of the data they are compiling IS NOT from "public" (i.e. open-access) sources. Yet more inference that all is not as it seems with the supposedly reputable data-mining operation.
(2) Only a VERY NAIVE individual would voluntarily give such a company open-ended permission to continually retrieve personal data and compile it for whatever uses that company sees fit.
(3) My personal opinion is that no one should sign such an agreement without an accompanying written contract between that individual and the data collection company itself GUARANTEEING secure storage of, EXCLUSIVE access to, and severe monetary penalties in the event of theft / unauthorized access of, the application data AND THE RESULTING COMPILED INFORMATION FILE(S). As any legal expert will tell you, mere promises and assurances are, for the most part, not legally binding. No "consideration" = no contract. Also, if it is not in writing with original signatures, it is not true. (Some states, but not all, allow for enforcement of verbal contracts, but the legal language is narrowly constructed, strictly scrutinized, and without witness to the actual uttering by the principal parties, almost entirely unenforceable.) None of the parties involved in this data-mining operation have given such written obligation to the VOLUNTEERS THEMSELVES.
(4) As we have seen numerous times in the last two months, EAA will change the terms and conditions as they see fit, without even a moment's notice, without informing the membership before or after the fact, and without opportunity for the members involved to withdraw their permission. To quote from the YPP itself:
"Experimental Aircraft Association, Inc. (“EAA”) reserves the right to revise this policy in any manner and to be effective at any time, in EAA’s sole discretion.") (http://www.eaa.org/en/eaa/aviation-e...34624FCAD&_z=z)
caveat emptor - which is why I quit the YE program and will quit EAA when my current membership expires.