Australian Information Commissioner Investigates NZ Retail Security Firm

Auror, a retail surveillance company based in New Zealand, is currently under investigation by Australia’s privacy watchdog, the Australian Information Commissioner. The investigation was initiated following a report that exposed the Australian Federal Police’s (AFP) use of Auror’s software without proper oversight.

The software integrates facial recognition, license plate scanners, and AI data from self-checkouts, and is marketed as a tool to help retailers and law enforcement reduce crime by sharing information.

The controversy began when internal AFP emails revealed that over 100 police staff members had used Auror’s software to collect data from retailers and integrate police information into the system, without agency guidelines. This raised significant privacy concerns, leading the AFP to suspend its use of the technology after being approached by Crikey, a domestic news outlet. The Information Commissioner’s Office initially made preliminary inquiries but escalated the situation to a full investigation earlier this year.

The investigation reflects broader concerns about the sharing of sensitive information between retailers and law enforcement through platforms like Auror, particularly when the data is not directly tied to criminal activity. The issue was highlighted during a budget estimates session where Greens Senator David Shoebridge questioned the lengthy duration of such privacy investigations, emphasizing public frustration over delays.

Auror was founded in 2013 by Phil Thomson, James Corbett, and Tom Batterbury, who identified a significant gap in the market for effective technology to combat retail crime. The company began as a runner-up in the 2012 Velocity $100K Challenge, a competition that helped them refine their business strategy and gain initial exposure.

Auror initially focused on small retailers in New Zealand but quickly expanded its reach by partnering with large enterprises, including New Zealand’s largest supermarket chain and the national police force. This expansion allowed Auror to service over 90 percent of the retail enterprise market in New Zealand, significantly reducing investigation times for the police. 

The company has since grown internationally, establishing offices in Australia, North America, and the United Kingdom, and partnering with major retailers such as Walmart, Woolworths, and Coles.

Source: Crikey

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August 20, 2024 – by Cass Kennedy