Giant Steps Towards Cashless/Surveillance Society Going On Unnoticed In London
Tube fares go up if you want to use cash, go down if you use cashless "Smartcard"
Steve Watson | October 04 2005
We have previously exposed how there is a movement afoot towards a cashless society, to be tied into the surveillance database grid behind national ID cards and Biometric Passports and driving licenses.
A cashless society would mean total control over everyone as people would be forced to pay for everything electronically. Every purchase would be traceable and the ability to buy or sell could be halted immediately at any given moment.
The latest beta tests are going on at the moment with electronic smartcards, biometric readers and RFID tags, which are gaining increasing momentum despite mass public distrust of such devices.
The BBC has today reported on how London's transport fares are to be put up, but only for people who wish to pay in cash. For those who get an electronic smart card, the price will go down.
The Mayor even had the nerve to state that it was the "free choice" of people as to whether they continue to pay by cash.
The oyster card is waved over a reader in underground stations to gain entry, users top it up as they would credit on a cell phone.
Its is all about getting people used to a cashless society in which it is deemed an inconvenience to have actual money. It will become positively embarrassing to be seen to hold up the queue because you want to use real money.
I live in London and I only occasionally use the tube, thus I have no call to get an Oyster card. This is clearly aimed at people who do not need a smart card but will be easily persuaded if the price is right.
It has been previously exposed how Oyster cards are also used to track commuters.
The ad campaign behind the card is that it's easier and less hassle and can magically transport you quicker, something that anyone who uses the Northern line regularly will know is BS.
We have continually warned how these big brother tools will be marketed as convenient as well as cool and fashionable. Even the Oyster Smartcard is being marketed in this way as people are wearing it on handbags and clothing.
The ultimate element of a controlled cashless society is of course the implantable microchip. We have previously exposed how this is being used in Europe to gain VIP access to nightclubs and pay for drinks.
How long will it be before we have to take the chip to get on the tube?