Businesses are switching to cashless payment only during the pandemic as people enact social distancing to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This comes after stopping the use of non-disposable cups in cafes and the general reduction of the use of cash across society. This could well be the tipping point to make cashless payments the norm across the world. Some believe it could well be the start of killing off the use of cash for good.
It's not paranoia if you know they are out to get you.
(Score: 5, Insightful) by PinkyGigglebrain on Tuesday March 24 2020, @01:00AM
Or the store's DSL modem just gave up and died. I was at a big name supermarket a few months back were that happened. Their Internet connection was down and they could only take cash.
As you pointed out, if the electric or power infrastructure is knocked out electronic payment options are useless. But another factor is that most mid/small business's don't have a backup plan for the their local internet connection going down, not even something as simple as using a cell phone as an up link just to allow CC payments.
"Beware those who would deny you Knowledge, For in their hearts they dream themselves your Master."