Hacker News Reader

Is it just me or are the conclusion recommendations in this article all completely reaching?

I would hate stores to implement half of the recommendations. Swiping my smartphone on entry?!

I'd prefer to shop at the distributor's warehouse.

This is probably how the typical executive thinks in those retailers. “Hmm.. I need to use big data and personalization to create a better customer experience, I know a genius idea that will do that! Swipe their smartphones!”

"Those hip-hopster kids will love it"

Sadly a lot of idiots would love it and completely disregard the privacy implications, until the precedent has been set and you won’t even be allowed into the store without tapping your smartphone and being tracked.

Probably they will make it like the shopper card programs, where all are free to come and shop in the store, but you suffer disadvantages like paying more unless you check in with your phone.

A lot of so-called "idiots" make the rational decision that prioritizes convenience at the expense of privacy. It may not be the decision many of us would make, but that doesn't mean it's not rational.

Setting a precedent that would completely remove the option of privacy is rational for you?

Yes. Trading a constant distress of fear of paranoia for a chance of invasive harm is rational for some cost-benefit measurements.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com