Shopper triggers facial recognition probe

Cadillac Fairview says it will co-operate with Alberta privacy commissioner

Alberta’s Information CALGARY and Privacy Commissioner is launching a formal investigation into the use of facial recognition technology without consent at Calgary malls operated by Cadillac Fairview.

Last month, a shopper at Calgary’s Chinook Centre noticed a browser window — presumably left open in error — on one of the directory screens at Chinook Centre, which suggested the mall was recording information about those who opened the directory.

After a photo of the browser window was widely circulated on social media, Cadillac Fairview — a Toronto-based company that operates malls across Canada — acknowledged it has been testing facial recognition software to track shoppers’ ages and genders and the number of people using the directory.

The company said in a statement at the time that because it is not capturing or storing images, it does not require shopper consent.

Nevertheless, the news raised concerns among experts and privacy advocates.

On Friday, Alberta’s Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner said it would launch an investigation aimed at determining what type of personal information is being collected, whether consent is required or would be collected, whether the information is being shared with third parties, and what safeguards or security measures are in place to protect third parties.

In an email Friday, Cadillac Fairview spokesperson Janine Ramparas said the company will co-operate fully with the privacy commissioner’s investigations. She said Cadillac Fairview has suspended use of the cameras pending resolution of this matter and will not be commenting further.

Individuals concerned that their personal information was collected without consent by Cadillac Fairview at one of its Alberta properties are being encouraged to submit a complaint to the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner.