Dangers of Amazon Go

If you hate standing in line at the grocery store you may be attracted to Amazon Go. But, have you considered the dangers?  

In January, Amazon Go opened in Seattle – the first store to operate without cashiers. A smart phone and payment system linked to an Amazon account enables people to shop without waiting in line.  Computer vision and sensors track purchases via the Amazon Go app on their phones.

Customers simply scan the app on electric readers at the entrance of the store, choose their products and carry them out as Amazon technology charges their account. Hundreds of cameras, painted to blend in with the ceiling, track the movement of products into purses, backpacks, or shopping bags.

Amazon Go bypasses the barriers of time and money, making shopping pleasurable. The App simplifies the purchasing process but threatens those who struggle with self-control. By not seeing money leave their wallets, people easily spend more than they realize. They don’t experience the physical pain of parting with cash.

Many people are excited and the automated security that prevents shop-lifting may be welcomed by store-owners. But, these facts come with a cost that could lead to loss of privacy. Will our country embrace the convenience without thinking through the cost of machine surveillance? Think about the ramifications of recorded files of anything people do! Technology is moving fast and we need to be aware of the positives and negatives – without becoming paranoid.

The impact on our lives cannot be dismissed. Just as there were men of Issachar, “men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do”, we need to seek the Lord for understanding of the time in which we live.

We must be watchful, prayerful, and discerning in our fast changing world.

If you have questions about your finances or need someone to pray with you, call the Crown Helpline at 800-722-1976. Our staff is standing by to talk to you!