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Saturday, February 8, 2025

17 retailers unite against facial recognition technology

Seventeen of Australia’s top retailers including Coles, Woolworths and Aldi have confirmed they do not use facial recognition technology in their stores and have no plans to introduce it in the future. 

An inquiry by consumer group, CHOICE, recently revealed that only major retailer groups Bunnings and Kmart currently use the technology, while The Good Guys has paused a trial awaiting the outcome of an investigation by the Information Commissioner.  

CHOICE consumer data advocate, Kate Bower said she was pleased that most stores had chosen not to implement the highly controversial technology.  

“This commitment from the 17 retailers to avoid the use of facial recognition technology will be strongly welcomed by their customers,” Ms Bower said. 

“We know the community are really worried about the use of facial recognition, with some describing it as ‘creepy and invasive’”. 

A recent survey of 16,000 CHOICE consumers revealed that 80% of people believed that Kmart and Bunnings should stop using facial recognition.   

“Unfortunately, both Bunnings and Kmart continue to use facial recognition technology on customers at a number of their stores,” Ms Bower said. 

“The fact that so many other major Australian retailers aren’t using facial recognition is a clear sign that Bunnings and Kmart should immediately reconsider their decision.” 

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