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