Based on the results of the investigation,the three retailers seem to be the only ones using facial recognition technology. Bunnings and The Good Guys acknowledged it was in place in its stores while Kmart failed to respond to Choice’s request for confirmation.
Consumer group data advocate Kate Bower said almost 80 per cent of Australians were not aware retailers were capturing their facial features in this way and that it was similar to “collecting your fingerprints or DNA every time you shop”.
“Businesses using invasive technologies to capture their customers’ sensitive biometric information is unethical and is a sure way to erode consumer trust,” she said.
Bunnings chief operating officer Simon McDowell said the technology was only used to keep staff and customers safe and appropriate notice had been provided.
“We’ve seen an increase in the number of challenging interactions our team have had to handle … This technology is an important tool in helping us to prevent repeat abuse of our team and customers,” he said.
“There are strict controls around the use of the technology which can only be accessed by specially trained team.”
McDowell disagreed with Choice’s determination the company had breached the Privacy Act and said images of children were not stored.