Where to shop without being ‘filmed’
An investigation by consumer advocate CHOICE into retailers that use facial recognition technology led to a public outcry. Now, several companies are pausing the practice.
While the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) considers a complaint made by CHOICE against Kmart, Bunnings and The Good Guys for their use of facial recognition technology, both Bunnings and Kmart have declared they are pausing the practice.
“Customers will welcome the decision from Bunnings and Kmart to pause the use of facial recognition technology, but we know what the community really wants is for these retailers to dump the technology for good,” says consumer data advocate Kate Bower.
“CHOICE eagerly awaits the information commissioner’s decision on whether Kmart and Bunnings have breached the privacy act in their use of facial recognition technology.”
Meanwhile, 17 retailers including Woolworths, Coles and Aldi, have confirmed they don’t use facial recognition technology and don’t plan to. The other 14 retailers are: Officeworks, Big W, Myer, Dan Murphy’s, David Jones, Target, Rebel, Super Cheap Auto, BCF, BWF, FirstChoice, macpac, Vintage Cellars and Liquor Land.
Have you switched stores to avoid facial recognition technology?
I don't have a problem with security of any kind. It would be sad if people in a shop with many others consider it a breach of privacy, what privacy? You're in a crowd for goodness sake.
People need to grow up and realise they aren't being spied on, just the store is looking out for themselves against thief's and your safety also.
Please just remember, if you are not guilty of anything, you're fine. ????