Big retailer makes announcement on facial recognition technology

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Big retailer makes announcement on facial recognition technology

1 yr ago

The backlash over revelations that three major retailers have been using controversial facial recognition technology has prompted one to pause the practice.

It was revealed earlier this month that The Good Guys, Kmart and Bunnings were using the technology, prompting an outcry among many customers, with some YLC members saying they would shop ‘in disguise’ at these stores.

Those outlets were named in an investigation by consumer advocate CHOICE.

Now, The Good Guys says the trial of facial recognition technology in their stores will be temporarily paused while the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) considers a complaint made by CHOICE against the trio.

CHOICE senior campaigns and policy advisor, Amy Pereira said: “CHOICE welcomes the announcement that The Good Guys will pause the use of facial recognition technology in their stores while the information commissioner investigates their use of this technology. This is an important step in the right direction for The Good Guys, and a decision we know reflects community expectations.”

Were you upset by the revelation about the facial recognition technology? Are you happy that The Good Guys has listened to the public outcry?

3 comments

HOLA

1 yr ago

What else could facial recognition be used for,? I can only think if someone had stolen some articles from the stores. There is a $2 shop near my place and they have taken photos of people who have shop-lifted goods from their store., with a sign saying "Do you know any of these people - please report."

Viking

1 yr ago

Hola, I think facial recognition could be used for a number of things besides security which I have doubts about where Bunnings is concerned. This includes customer profiling, target marketing, selling data to others and combining data from a range of stores within the Westfarmers group. Its possible that errors could occur in giving the wrong images to police for their use.

I have noticed in my local Bunnings that the cameras are above and adjacent to the checkout areas but I don't see any cameras in the aisles where presumably shop-lifting would occur. Are they connecting the photos with our credit card details? I don't know. So what's the point of the cameras at the checkout?

There are a number of ways of frustrating this intrusion. Buy elsewhere where you can, e.g. give Mitre 10 or the local paint shop a try: the cameras are diagonally above so a broad brimmed hat, mask and glasses would distort the photo image and use cash instead of a credit card.

I sympathise with companies genuinely trying to reduce theft because it's costing us all money. But Westfarmers chose this method of selling to reduce their staff costs and increase their profit. They chose to offer us almost exclusively Chinese crap to boost their profits rather than support locally produced products.

If facial recognition is all and only about security then let the companies come clean about it and not relegate it to the small print of an insignificant sign. Actually a bolder sign about cameras would be the most effective part of reducing theft but they haven't done this so why?

HOLA

1 yr ago

Hi Viking - About 3 years ago whilst I was waiting in line to pay for some goods at Bunnings a step ladder came crashing down and hit me in the back. A couple of customers came to my aid and I said to the Cashier I wanted the incident to be recorded. Someone from the office came with a small note pad and proceeded to write my details down. I asked them "Don't you have an official form for recording details?" they said this was sufficient. Three days later I saw my Doctor as a large bruise appeared. The results of the x-ray showed a small nick in one of the vertabras in the spine. I went back to Bunning and showed them the x-ray. They didn't seem too interested and said if I wanted to proceed further, see a Solicitor. The point I'm getting to is , I said their cameras should have picked up the exact time the incident happened and they said they didn't have a camera in that spot. I did see a Solicitor and they said trying to sue Westfarmers would take many years to prove and would cost a fortune. I let the matter go in disgust. I didn't want to make a fortune in suing but a letter asking if I was Okay. They showed no interest at all .

Axel

1 yr ago

HOLA,

That's truly appalling.

Also as a business they would have carried insurance for accidents such as this.

I believe the police are keen for facial recognition cameras ... the issue is being worked out.

Big retailer makes announcement on facial recognition technology

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