Mostly because the systems are old, limited in the amount of data they generate.

They are definitely generating and analysing this data in the US. I believe the data protection laws in the UK and EU prevent it here, at least to the scale. There is no doubt it could be done though - it's the same basic technology with a different transport mechanism and/or intermediary.

It could, if you're paying everything with the card. But you always have an option to go to an ATM and pick up some untracable cash.

I assume these apps don't provide such an option.

It’s an option…for now.

In 2016, India demonetized bills as low as 500 Rupees (the equivalent of $6). People died in the ensuing chaos, and the Supreme Court just that ruled in favor of the demonetisation.