Normally I would agree with you, but given how much they care about privacy (as indicated by what they write about and talk about on their podcast), I don’t think tracking is what they’re after in this specific case.
And they know that the signup won’t completely block AI, but it does help.
I’m guessing A Christmas Story (1983).
A central theme is the main character Ralphie really wants a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle for Christmas, but all the adults he expresses this to insist he’ll shoot his eye out.