Kmart decides to stop using facial recognition in stores amidst Australian privacy investigation

Retailers in Australia hit pause on facial recognition trials

Retailers in Australia, like Kmart and Bunnings, have decided to temporarily stop using facial recognition technology in their stores. This move comes as the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) investigates the privacy implications of these systems. The initial purpose of testing out facial recognition was to identify banned customers, prevent refund fraud, and decrease theft.

Investigation and concerns

The investigation kicked off in mid-July after the consumer advocacy group Choice expressed worries about the use of facial recognition by Kmart and Bunnings. Bunnings had already discontinued the use of the technology as it shifted to a new system. Other prominent retailers in Australia, such as Aldi, Coles, and Woolworths, have confirmed that they do not intend to implement facial recognition technology.

Beyond privacy issues

Despite Kmart and Bunnings defending their use of facial recognition in their stores, critics have highlighted concerns that go beyond data privacy. These concerns include possible biases related to gender and race, as well as the potential for false positives. Companies like IBM and Microsoft have stepped back from certain facial recognition applications due to ethical concerns. In the U.S., politicians have also urged government agencies to avoid using such technology. The future challenges that Kmart and Bunnings will face in navigating these issues remain to be seen.