Coles and Woolworths test facial recognition to combat retail crime

Australian supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths are investigating the use of facial recognition technology to combat rising retail crime, including theft and violence against staff. Coles has conducted a controlled proof-of-concept test that did not use customer or employee data, while Woolworths has explored the technology at its New Zealand corporate office. No formal deployment in Australian stores has been confirmed.

The push for increased surveillance comes amid rising reports of aggression and assault in retail environments. However, the potential use of such technology has sparked privacy concerns. Experts note that while facial recognition can assist in identifying repeat offenders, it raises significant questions regarding data storage, consumer consent, and the protection of minors. Previous retailers, including Kmart and Bunnings, have faced criticism regarding privacy breaches related to facial recognition use.