Kroger’s AI and Data Push: The Beginning of the End for Your Privacy and Freedom
Written by Derek Wolfe
Kroger, the good old American grocery store? Think again. They’ve evolved into a monster, and not the kind you want in your pantry. Founded in 1883, Kroger was once about getting fresh food into the hands of everyday folks. But today? It’s not about food – it’s about data. Kroger’s transformation into a tech-driven behemoth is leading the charge in the grocery industry's data-collection frenzy. And guess what? Your privacy is the cost.
They’ve been at this game for decades, building a fortress of data with their so-called "Loyalty Program." It started small, collecting info on what you bought to send you some coupons. Sounds harmless, right? But now, they’ve gone full-blown AI, churning out 1.9 billion “personalized” coupons a year, thanks to machine learning algorithms that track every single move you make in their stores. This isn’t just about selling you toothpaste. It’s about owning your data and using it against you.
84.51°: Kroger's Data Harvesting Arm
Ever heard of 84.51°? It’s the sinister engine behind Kroger’s data machine, a subsidiary created to weaponize information. Todd James, the so-called Chief Data & Technology Officer, is leading the charge. With a background in Fidelity Investments and Deloitte Consulting, this guy knows his way around big data and manipulation. He boasts about how 84.51° is helping Kroger "create more personalized and valuable experiences" by sucking up data from over 62 million U.S. households through the Kroger Plus loyalty card. Translation: every time you scan that card, you’re handing over your entire shopping history to a faceless corporation that’s selling you out.
James paints a rosy picture of how AI is going to make your life easier. They’ve already made the checkout line faster with their QueVision system – cutting your wait time to mere seconds. Convenient? Sure. But that’s just the shiny front end. Behind the curtain, they’re analyzing, categorizing, and predicting your every move. All for what? To feed their machine more data to sell to advertisers, or worse, share with the government.
The AI Agenda: Kroger’s Digital Eye in the Sky
Kroger’s AI plans don’t stop at coupons and faster checkouts. They’re rolling out tech that tracks every aspect of your shopping journey. They claim it’s to make things "easier" for you, like helping you fill your online shopping cart faster – four and a half times faster, to be exact. But what they’re really doing is building a detailed psychological profile on you, knowing what you’re likely to buy, when you’re likely to buy it, and how much they can squeeze out of you before you even hit the checkout.
And it gets worse. They’re using AI to optimize their pickup services with "dynamic batching" – a system that can process 200,000 totes per second to streamline your order. Sounds efficient, right? But it’s not about making your life easier; it’s about driving profits and tightening their stranglehold on the supply chain. And every bit of data they collect during this process feeds back into their system, giving them even more control over how, when, and what you buy.
The Data Goldmine: Who Really Benefits?
Kroger’s investments in AI aren’t for you. They’re for them – and their shareholders. They claim that this data revolution is all about improving the customer experience, but don’t be fooled. It’s about one thing: control. They’re using your data to control what you see, what you buy, and how you buy it. And while Todd James talks about "transparency" and making AI "accountable," ask yourself – accountable to whom? Because it sure isn’t you.
Behind the PR spin, Kroger is positioning itself as a gatekeeper in the AI and data space, setting the stage for an even more centralized, controlled, and manipulative shopping experience. This isn't just groceries anymore – it's about creating a data-driven feedback loop where your personal information is turned into cold, hard cash for Kroger’s bottom line.
A Call to Arms
This is just the beginning, folks. Kroger is leading the charge, but they aren’t alone. Every major retailer is following suit, building their own data empires. They’ll tell you it’s all for your convenience. They’ll offer you faster checkouts, better deals, and personalized experiences. But the price? Your autonomy. Your privacy. Your freedom.
Don’t just stand by while corporations and governments team up to turn your every move into data points for their benefit. It’s time to fight back. Protect yourself from the coming storm of digital surveillance and economic control. Download Seven Steps to Protect Yourself from Bank Failure by Bill Brocius. Stay informed. Stay vigilant. And don’t let Kroger, or anyone else, turn you into a cog in their machine.
The financial market is crumbling and EVERYONE will be affected. Only those who know what's going on and PREPARE will survive... dare we say thrive. Our 7 Simple Action Items to Protect Your Bank Account will give you the tools you need to make informed decisions to protect yourself and the ones you love.
