Facial recognition a ‘reality’ in stores
The Privacy Commissioner says shoppers should be told if they are entering stores with facial recognition cameras.
Foodstuffs, which owns the New World and Pak’n Save supermarket chains, is using facial recognition technology in some of its stores to identify potential offenders.
Spokeswoman Antoinette Laird said theft was a growing problem.
‘‘We use multiple strategies to protect our people, customers and product and we make no apology for this.
‘‘Where CCTV – which may include facial recognition technology – is used in our stores, signage alerts customers to the fact images may be taken, as per privacy requirements. Footage can only be used for the purpose it is intended, which is as a deterrent and tool against theft and as a means of keeping customers and staff safe.’’
Laird said Foodstuffs stores in the North Island were using a facial recognition tool with their CCTV.
‘‘The system requires store security to identify the individual as trespassed from the store or as a person known to have shoplifted in our stores, and manually input the information into the system – they will then be picked up by the CCTV on future visits,’’ she said.
New Zealand Security Association chief executive Gary Morrison said facial recognition technology was popular overseas and should be expected to become more widely adopted here.
As long as retailers met their obligations to signal its use, it should not be a concern, he said. ‘‘If it’s not used properly, that’s an issue.’’
Its reliability was improving all the time, he said. ‘‘You’re looking at fairly high levels of capability . . . these days.’’
Retail consultant Chris Wilkinson of First Retail Group said people should expect CCTV cameras, particularly in banks, supermarkets and clothing stores, and that footage could be shared with other retailers and the police.
‘‘It will give a degree of discomfort to a lot of people, but the reality is, this is happening.’’
Shoppers who had not done anything wrong should not worry about surveillance, he said.
Privacy Commissioner John Edwards did not entirely agree. If companies were using recognition software, they should inform customers about its use with signage in stores, he said.
Companies looking to adopt it should undergo an assessment to identify any risks to people’s privacy, he said.
Foodstuffs stores also use the Auror system, which does not include facial recognition services for any retailers.
This system captures images and licence-plate numbers and allows for data sharing, including with police.
A number of large retailers subscribe to Auror’s network. Farmers, Briscoes and Mitre 10 are listed as clients on Auror’s website.
Wilkinson said Auror was a proactive response to an increase in the complexity of shoplifting. Shoplifters worked in groups and often travelled to target businesses in new areas, he said.
A spokesperson for Countdown said it did not use facial recognition software but did use the Auror system.
‘‘This system [Auror] is an effective way for us to communicate with the police regarding alleged retail crime. We can not give details as to the stores involved.’’