Summary
Sainsbury's, a large UK supermarket chain, is starting an eight-week trial of facial recognition technology in two of its stores. The technology aims to identify and address shoplifting, but has drawn criticism from privacy groups. Sainsbury's states this measure is to make shopping environments safer as theft and abuse in stores rise.
Key Facts
- Sainsbury's is testing facial recognition in two stores located in Bath and London.
- The trial will last for eight weeks and could expand nationwide if successful.
- They are partnering with Facewatch, a company that provides facial recognition services.
- Critics, including MPs and privacy groups, have raised concerns about privacy and called for a ban on the technology.
- Sainsbury's claims the technology will not monitor all customers or staff, but focus on preventing violence and theft.
- The supermarket asserts that crime in their stores, including theft and abuse, is increasing despite current measures.
- The government is considering new laws to protect retail workers from abuse.
- USDAW, a union representing retail workers, supports the trial and looks forward to its results.
