I’ve been thinking about which is the better way to shop to maintain privacy. The way I see it there are pros and cons to each but I can’t decide which is ultimately better (and of course it depends on threat model and who you’re trying to hide from)
Irl
Pro
- Retailer doesn’t need your address/phone number/email address to complete a transaction
- If you pay with cash, your bank doesn’t have details of what you bought and can’t sell it to data brokers
Con
- Most/all stores have security cameras (often with facial recognition). You can mitigate it with masks or other coverings but I’ve seen a few stores now locally that don’t allow masks or raised hoodies
Online
Pro
- Your shopping is kept from prying eyes as far as security cameras go
Con
- If you buy something to be delivered, the retailer usually wants your address, email and phone number, and (unless using a gift card) your credit card info
- Even if you buy something to collect in store, most still require a phone number which can be hard to make private if burner phones aren’t legal where you live and/or the retailer won’t accept VoIP numbers
At some point, you’re going to have to trust someone. Bottom line. Tho I am diligent about being as self sustainable as possible, there are times when I do have to avail modern conveniences. Some of the things I may need can not be sourced local. That means online shopping, no matter how I may feel about shopping online. Back in the day, you’d have to travel fairly far to purchase what was needed. That may not be feasible anymore.
Sometimes privacy, anonymity, and security are not set in stone policies. Sometimes it’s a rolling target.