Apple has created an app which can turn people into ATM machines. Picture this, you’re in a shop which doesn’t take cards, you have no cash on you; the nearest ATM displays the dreaded ‘out of order’ message and you’re miles from home with no money for a bus or taxi. Firstly you need to reconsider how you got into this situation and secondly, you’re stuck... Or are you?
Apple has saved the day by designing an ingenious app which allows you to track down the nearest person with cash on them (who also has the app downloaded onto their iPhone). You ask the person via the app for the amount of cash you would like, they choose whether to accept or reject your request and bingo; you make the transaction via the app and the cash is yours!
What is the point? Well, not only does Apple receive a cut of the transaction; the ‘Good Samaritan’ also collects a small piece of the pie. However, for such a smart initiative, the app does pose one big problem.
Those who are registered as ATMs are actually telling people within their vicinity that they have cash on them. This could pose a threat to their safety; influencing pick-pockets, thefts, muggings and potentially money laundering. Is it really worth risking your safety?
Could the technology giant be held responsible, or even sued, for someone being harmed because of the app? Is another method of profit revenue more important to them than the safety of others? What about hackings?!
Although the idea is incredibly smart and exceptionally useful; there is a lot for Apple to think about, starting with the safety of the users. We will be sure to monitor it over time to see what happens and will of course keep an eye out for customer reviews! Hopefully there won’t be any hospital bills invoiced!