Alberta investigates mall kiosk technology
Facial recognition was used without consent by Cadillac Fairview
CALGARY— Alberta’s Information and Privacy Commissioner is investigating after Cadillac Fairview acknowledged that cameras in digital directories predict shoppers’ approximate age and gender.
The investigation relates to “the use of facial recognition technology without consent” at shopping centres Cadillac Fairview operates in Calgary, according to a statement from the privacy commissioner.
Experts have raised concerns about the technology, first reported by CBC, saying the sensitive nature of facial images opens numerous possibilities for misusing the information.
Last week, a Cadillac Fairview spokesperson told the Star that because the images aren’t recorded or stored by the company, they don’t require consent.
Cadillac Fairview began using the software in June, “to further understand the usage of our directories,” the spokesperson said.
If people are concerned their information was collected by Cadillac Fairview in Alberta, they can submit a complaint to the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner.
In Ontario, a spokesperson for the province’s Information and Privacy Commissioner said that issues related to facial recognition technology in shopping malls are not within the commission's jurisdiction.