The last time I went to Hong Kong (which was about 6 years ago), the Octopus Card was the hottest thing in town. The Octopus card is very similar to London’s Oyster card. By loading it up with money, you can pay for various public transportation services by simply pressing the card against a receiver.
Fast forward to the present, and the Octopus Card is a huge hit. The Octopus Card is no longer just for public transportation. In fact, it has become even more useful than cash or a credit card. Using the Octopus Card, you can now buy snacks at 7/11, pay for groceries, buy meals at Cafe de Coral, etc. etc. Hell, I’ve seen ice cream trucks that take Octopus Card as payment. And don’t worry about running out of cash on your card; you can sign up for an automatic payment service that will automatically replenish your balance from a verified credit card or bank account.
There are other uses for the card as well. In fact, the Octopus Card can even gives you access to your own apartment building or other “secure” areas as well.
Now if you’re like my mom (and most HK people are in this case), you wouldn’t think twice when you just “doot it” at the supermarket. But if you think about it, this one company is storing the data of over 19 million Octopus Cards (so says their corporate website).
That’s a lot of data on the buying habits, eating habits and travel habits of 19 million people. And as far as I can see, there doesn’t seem to be a lot of government or 3rd party oversight.
Its only a matter of time before someone walks off with a hard drive full of data, or worse. There is a distinct possibility that the information gathered in this card is being monitored by government authorities as well. Big Brother could be watching.
Dun dun dun….