Big retailers in America are increasingly using facial recognition technology to combat shoplifting, but many shoppers don’t even know it’s happening. Despite the controversies surrounding this technology, its use continues to rise in stores, often with little oversight.
Take Wegmans, a popular supermarket known for its loyal customers. Recently, it revealed that it uses facial recognition in its New York City locations, upsetting many shoppers. The store had to put up signs informing customers about data collection involving their facial features, voices, and eyes, which became a hot topic in the media and among customers.
In New York City, a law requires businesses to disclose if they collect biometric data. Enacted in 2021, this law also prevents companies from selling or sharing that data. Although there are moves to tighten regulations further, proposed bills have stalled.
Wegmans explained that they only use facial recognition in areas they consider high-risk. The technology aims to flag individuals identified as troublemakers, ensuring safety for all patrons and employees. However, experts warn about significant issues with bias and a lack of transparency surrounding facial recognition.
Jeramie Scott from the Electronic Privacy Information Center expressed concerns about this technology operating largely unchecked. “We haven’t yet addressed how we should manage the use of biometrics, especially facial recognition,” he said. These concerns resonate as many customers report feeling uneasy about being watched.
The growth of biometric surveillance isn’t limited to Wegmans. Other major retailers like Walmart, Kroger, and Home Depot also use it without clear communication to customers. According to a 2023 Federal Trade Commission report, using such technology raises potential privacy risks and civil rights concerns.
This technology, while helpful for theft prevention, has a dark side. There have been incidents of false identifications, contributing to wrongful arrests. Just this year, Rite Aid agreed to a five-year ban on utilizing facial recognition after the FTC found it unfairly targeted customers, especially people of color.
Facial recognition isn’t just making waves in retail. It’s being used in entertainment venues too. For instance, Madison Square Garden employs the technology to keep certain lawyers from attending events. Many believe nearly all large retail and entertainment companies use some form of biometric recognition, yet the public remains largely unaware of the scale.
Overall, as facial recognition technology becomes more embedded in our daily lives, conversations about privacy and regulation become essential. For retailers, the balance between security and privacy remains a challenging yet necessary conversation to engage in.
