Debriefing

Attention Shoppers: Privacy and Loyalty Cards

The Bay area computer programmer, dismayed by privacy's eroding standards, has integrated privacy into everything he does. Everything.

By Scott Berinato

Just how concerned should we be about this network of club-card-swapping bamboozlers?

We try to outdo each other when applying for cards by inventing names that are as phonetically embarrassing as possible, so the cashier says, "Have a nice day Mr. ...uh." It's kind of sad and beautiful at the same time when you see the recognition in the clerk's face that the name is a joke. I'd say the swapping program is a success.

You've really thought about this.

I've been thinking about this since I read an article that said anonymous moneyin other words, cashmight disappear. I thought if that ever happens, I'll just start money swaps. It'll be a quick laundering scheme.

Have you ever invaded someone's privacy?

I don't think so. Not even my wife's. I'm the most technical person in my house. I have the power to examine any data on any computer in my house. But I never would. Seriously. I genuinely believe people need their own space. I try to live that way.

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