SPAR Is Latest Retailer to Deploy Facewatch in UK

SPAR, the world’s largest supermarket chain, has joined other major national retailers in the United Kingdom in deploying facial recognition technology from Facewatch to combat shoplifting and antisocial behavior. The Dutch multinational franchise, known for linking independently owned and operated food retail stores, aims to use the technology to protect its colleagues and shoppers in specific SPAR UK stores where antisocial behavior has been an issue in the past.

The use of facial recognition technology in retail stores has been a topic of debate and has drawn attention from lawmakers. Earlier this year, a cross-party group of nearly 50 members of the UK’s parliament signed a public letter urging Frasers Group, which owns brands like House of Fraser and Sports Direct, to cease using facial recognition for store security. Frasers Group had recently deployed a biometric surveillance solution from Facewatch.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) conducted an investigation into Facewatch following a complaint from privacy and civil rights advocate Big Brother Watch and found that it complies with UK Data Protection Law.

SPAR’s deployment of AI facial recognition technology has sparked discussions among customers, with some expressing concerns about privacy, while others empathize with shop workers who face abuse. The technology has been installed in the SPAR store in Twydall Green, Gillingham, with a sign informing customers about its use for protecting employees, customers, and stock. The company states that the legal process for processing customer data falls under its legitimate interest and the substantial public interest of preventing and detecting crime.

As the use of facial recognition technology becomes more prevalent in retail settings, concerns over privacy and data protection continue to be important considerations. Retailers like SPAR must navigate the ethical implications of these technologies while aiming to create safer environments for both customers and employees.

Source: KentOnline

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August 1, 2023 – by the FindBiometrics Editorial Team