Depends on the implementation. Aren't these effectively pre-paid debit
cards, providing an alternative to cash and a windfall to the issuer?
Why do they need to identify the owner at all?
Debit/Credit Card companies currently have access to this level of
information. Given the itemised bills at supermarkets - there is a vast
amount of information already being collected about consumer behaviour.
A centralise Australian Golf Handicap system is being implemented and
Golfers are being offered the option to combine a credit card with their
golf handicap card. This was done via a direct mail offer from the bank
offering the credit card. Personally I didn't accept the kind offer.
Marghanita
Eric Scheid wrote:
>
> Did we all read in the weekend papers about Carr's wonderful new
> electronic payment card he's got plans for?
>
> >A card that may change all our lives
> >EXCLUSIVE By chief writer NATHAN VASS
> >12aug01
> >A REVOLUTIONARY commuter "smartcard" with the potential to create a
> >cashless society in Sydney will be introduced by the State Government.
>
> <http://www.dailytelegraph.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,2566711%255
> E701,00.html>
>
> >This means one card will pay for bus, train and ferry trips, highway
> >tolls, groceries, retail goods, online shopping, phone and utility bills,
> >movie and concert tickets, traffic fines and professional services.
>
> all sounding fine, except maybe the penultimate item listed... which
> raises a red flag when I then read:
>
> >"The smartcard will not need to be removed from a wallet or bag, it only
> >needs to pass the validator, which will signal acceptance of the fare
>
> and also
>
> >They can be linked to a bank account so the card automatically "tops up"
> >without the user ever having to go to a bank. The card could also become a
> >driver's licence and Medicare card.
>
> I wonder if the identification details will be automatically released and
> handed over by the ticket scanners? I can't wait for the targeted
> advertising in my mail box.
>
> Panic starts to then set in when a few pages further into the paper I
> find
>
> >Revealed: Sydney's greediest speed cameras
> <http://www.dailytelegraph.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,2566643%255
> E3163,00.html>
>
> I imagine a dark future where a ticket inspector will walk up and down
> the train, and by virtue of being in scanning range automatically issue
> fines for not having a valid ticket. A quick stroll, without the
> inconvenience of actually stopping and investigating, and the gummint
> raises more revenue.
>
> e.
>
> ______________________________________________________________________
> eric@ironclad.net.au i r o n c l a d n e t w o r k s
> information architect http://www.ironclad.net.au/
-- Marghanita da Cruz mailto:marghanita@ramin.com.au http://www.ramin.com.au - Tel:(+61)0414-869202 Ramin Communications - ABN 27 089 713 084
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