alt Hacker NewsThe problem with that show is it is all simulated. They have a camera crew following them round so they cant exactly hide properly.
The show is set up so that if the contestants do anything on a given list (like access ATMs, pay for something with a known card, walking past cctv cameras etc) then the camera crew would notify the hunters. Thats how they got that intel so that they wouldnt need to use actual methods.
I dont think you can use that show as an actual example of somebody on the run. Its so far away from reality and set up to be interesting to the viewer, its just not realistic at all.
My point is that there are a gazillion contact points in any modern environment where you lose anonymity. Not that they can track you in real time like that.
The amount of camera's in and around shopping areas is staggering. And the requirement to have a smartphone on hand is increasing every day, at least in the Netherlands.