Global IT outage shows dangers of cashless society
Supermarkets, banks, pubs, cafes, train stations and airports were all hit by the failure of #Microsoft systems on Friday, leaving many unable to accept electronic payments. The impact was especially severe for businesses that no longer accept cash.
The Payment Choice Alliance (PCA), which campaigns against the move towards a cashless society, lists 23 firms and groups, at least some of whose outlets take only credit or debit cards.
“There will always be outages,” said Ron Delnevo, the PCA’s chair. “But if there is no alternative, then the whole thing can collapse around you.”
Cash payments increased for the first time in a decade last year, according to UK Finance, which represents banks
