Government wants access to supermarket loyalty card data... "It's for your own good".

[denny]

Two articles just out on this...

The first: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2003/12/05/ntesco05.xml&sSheet=/news/2003/12/05/ixhome.html
"The MPs suggested that loyalty cards could be used to identify customers who bought excessive amounts of foods high in fat, sugar and salt, and asked whether supermarkets could use this information to promote healthier alternatives to these customers."

The second: http://media.guardian.co.uk/advertising/story/0,7492,1099981,00.html
"David Hinchliffe, the MP who was instrumental in securing a ban on tobacco advertising earlier this year, suggested supermarkets' loyalty cards could be used to monitor eating habits."

(spotted on Politech)

Comments

[kaet.livejournal.com]

I've got a co-op divvy card, but that's all. I don't think I mind a group of wet-behind-the-ears lefties that are the co-op knowing such things. I'd not trust Tescos or Sainsbury's as far as I could throw one of their stores, though.

And, is it possible to section governments under the mental health act? :)

[wechsler.livejournal.com]

I think that requires a mind to be found...