Interesting article in the Times on hotel key cards and identity theft. Apparently, guest's personal information is on those annoying key cards. It seems odd-why would that information need to be there in the first place? What kind of information is it? Ideas for replacements seem to be a similar technology to those SpeedPass gimmicks that you can use to buy slim jims at the gas station.
It also speaks to how the hotel experience has evolved. Didn't keys used to be at the front desk only? People would leave them there when they would go out for the day, to prevent copies being made. Also, hotels tend to take down a lot of personal information, as anyone who has stayed in a place that copies down passport information can attest. I still don't like being parted from my passport, even for a half-hour.
So, to sum up: No anonymity, even when you are meeting your mistress for a few hours at the Aiport Mariott.
Comments