Alarm raised over ‘privacy dilemma’ of facial recognition technology at Coles and Woolworths
Summary
Coles and Woolworths have tested facial recognition technology in their supermarkets to help reduce retail crime and protect staff, but have not decided whether to use it permanently. Privacy advocates warn this technology raises concerns about shoppers’ personal data and the risks of incorrect identification.Key Facts
- Coles and Woolworths tested facial recognition technology in some stores but have not made final decisions to install it widely.
- The technology scans shoppers’ faces and creates a unique faceprint to compare against a list of known aggressive or banned individuals.
- The supermarkets aim to use the technology to reduce crime and protect staff from aggression and violence.
- Privacy experts warn this kind of technology may invade customer privacy and lead to misuse of biometric data.
- People of colour are more likely to be wrongly identified by facial recognition systems compared to white people.
- Bunnings received approval from a tribunal to use facial recognition despite privacy concerns from previous rulings.
- Coles said their test did not use real customer or employee data, and Woolworths tested the technology in New Zealand offices.
- Both supermarkets said they will continue exploring ways to improve safety while considering privacy impacts.
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