Sainsbury’s is rolling out facial recognition to ensure the safety of employees and customers, following an increase in criminal offences in its stores. It claims a majority of customers support the application, but privacy groups are very critical.
Fighting increasing crime and abuse
The supermarket is starting a trial this week at a hypermarket in Sydenham (Southeast London) and at a convenience store in Bath. The technology should help identify people who are violent, aggressive or stealing. Similarly, the security service alerts when customers at nearby retailers display criminal behaviour. Trade union Usdaw’s Freedom From Fear report claims that 77 % of store employees have already experienced verbal abuse and 53 % have been threatened by customers.
