Coles and Woolworths test facial recognition technology
The technology captures the faces of customers and matches their features against databases to identify repeat violent offenders.
Coles and Woolworths have explored facial recognition technology to address retail crime, though it remains uncertain if either will implement it in Australian stores. The technology was trialed by the supermarkets as part of efforts to combat retail crime, as reported by the Australia Financial Review. Coles clarified that it conducted a controlled proof-of-concept test, not a trial, with no decision made on its deployment.
Woolworths tested the technology within its New Zealand office; however, neither supermarket disclosed details of the tests or their plans for Australia. The Australian Retail Council (ARC) highlighted the issue of violence and abuse faced by retail workers and expressed the industry's commitment to addressing these challenges responsibly.
The Privacy Commissioner recently updated guidance permitting facial recognition in public spaces like retail stores. A Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association (SDA) survey revealed that around a third of retail workers felt unsafe in their workplaces.
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