We all agree that it’s annoying and also sometimes, disturbing, how sophisticated online ‘cookies’ can get on the web. With just a simple phrase that you’ve typed into a search engine or adding that cat-shaped pouch into the cart, targeted ads will deem you as an aspiring cat lady–

So imagine having that tracking happen in real life albeit via less sophisticated means.

This was what happened to a woman in China when she discovered that popular Chinese hotpot chain, Haidilao, had kept secret files on her.

What Are The Secret Files About

 The woman in Shanghai wrote in an online post that the hotpot chain had kept private customer information in a collated database. Going by the profile name Naliyouzhimiao, she claimed that Haidilao had been tracking her visits to the restaurant.

However, what surprised her was when other online profiles came out to share similar experiences they had with the hotpot chain.

The woman was later apologised to by the restaurant manager for recording her information and was offered a gift as compensation.

Labelling System In Secret Files

According to the pictures of the alleged secret files, the database devised a labelling system split into four categories: number of times the customer has visited, their top five favourite meals, top five customised demands which includes requests such as “hand-peeled oranges” and “plain water,” and their physical traits.

This included descriptors such as the customer’s hair length, whether they wore spectacles, their skin tone, and their body size.

Some were also tagged with a label if they liked to complain, according to Affluence Video, a Shanghai-based company.

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Responses from Fellow Chinese Citizens

 A netizen commented that in the face of big data, everyone’s “naked” for the companies to analyse.

While many have said that this level of monitoring done was disturbing and invasive, some also said that it was considered normal so long as the information remains confidential.

One even commented that they wished the pork chop restaurant frequented would label them as someone who wanted “no black pepper”.

A response from Haidilao from their customer service said that the labelling system’s existence came to be because of the company’s established rules. Further information could not be disclosed regarding what these established rules were.

According to Caijing.com, a Haidilao representative also added that restaurant managers can add information to customer profiles inside the membership system so that they can serve them better.

Even though it’s in the name of customer service, it’s still a tad creepy to have someone keep tabs on something as private as your dining behaviours.

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Featured Image: Sarunyu L/ shutterstock.com