I have no problem with the store having loyalty cards.
I DO have a problem with that information being shared without my express written permission.
But you’re right. The pull of corruption and data control is great enough that all data will eventually be abused.
The children of Gen Y are going to scorn their parents’ total apathy toward personal privacy. In 20 years the tyranny resulting from the abuse of personal data will produce a generation of privacy advocates. Think of how the depression era folks were about the stock market and banks. That’s how the next generation will be about personal data.
They have used those cards to help solve crime. Idiots buy items to aid in murder or hiding the body, the video isn’t clear enough for ID, they use their card to save a buck, and there you go!