It is clear that it is acceptable in the US for cards to be taken away and out of sight of the consumer. At some point the card networks and card issuers who pay fraud costs need to put their foot down and say no more of this. The card should never be handled or even touched by the merchant. Most retailers get it right. But other industries? Not so much. Restaurants are by FAR the worst. Medical offices I am seeing more and more customer facing equipment and it is being used properly/as expected. Hotels/rental cars I see this customer facing equipment yet it often isn't being used.

And people wonder why their card information keeps getting stolen.