🔍 Unpacking Loyalty Programs: The New Frontier of Consumer Tracking
In October, the Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator revealed how companies are using loyalty programs to create a captive audience. While consumers seek discounts and rewards, they often overlook the extensive data collection and surveillance involved.
Key Insights:
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Historical Perspective: Loyalty programs have evolved from simple punch cards to intricate digital landscapes.
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Example of McDonald’s: The iconic Monopoly game has transitioned to app-based rewards, requiring users to trade privacy for prizes.
- Users consent to tracking beyond simple purchases.
- McDonald’s monitors geolocation, browsing history, and social media interactions.
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Data Utilization: This collected data fuels AI models to predict consumer behavior, potentially impacting millions.
As McDonald’s aims for 250 million active loyalty users by 2027, the scale raises concerns about consumer privacy—comparable to national intelligence agencies.
💡 Engage with this topic! Share your thoughts on consumer rights vs. corporate data collection.
