Sainsbury's, the UK's second-largest supermarket chain, has initiated an eight-week trial of facial recognition technology in two of its stores—one in London and another in Bath—as part of a broader strategy to combat escalating retail crime.
Partnering with Facewatch, a company already supplying similar technology to retailers like Budgens, Sports Direct, and Costcutter, Sainsbury's aims to identify and potentially ban individuals involved in theft, violence, or anti-social behavior.
The technology is designed to delete data instantly if a match is not found, and the company insists it is not intended to monitor staff or customers but to ensure a safer shopping environment.
The move comes amid a 20% rise in retail crime over the past year, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Sainsbury's CEO Simon Roberts emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety for both staff and customers.
However, privacy advocates, including BigBrotherWatch’s Madeleine Stone, have criticized the initiative as “Orwellian” and “chilling,” urging the government to regulate the use of such invasive technologies.
The USDAW union has expressed cautious support, pending trial results.
Crime and Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson acknowledged the issue and stated that the Home Office is considering new legislation to protect retail workers.
The trial reflects a growing tension between technological innovation and civil liberties in the retail sector, as businesses seek effective ways to deter crime while maintaining public trust.
Partnering with Facewatch, a company already supplying similar technology to retailers like Budgens, Sports Direct, and Costcutter, Sainsbury's aims to identify and potentially ban individuals involved in theft, violence, or anti-social behavior.
The technology is designed to delete data instantly if a match is not found, and the company insists it is not intended to monitor staff or customers but to ensure a safer shopping environment.
The move comes amid a 20% rise in retail crime over the past year, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Sainsbury's CEO Simon Roberts emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety for both staff and customers.
However, privacy advocates, including BigBrotherWatch’s Madeleine Stone, have criticized the initiative as “Orwellian” and “chilling,” urging the government to regulate the use of such invasive technologies.
The USDAW union has expressed cautious support, pending trial results.
Crime and Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson acknowledged the issue and stated that the Home Office is considering new legislation to protect retail workers.
The trial reflects a growing tension between technological innovation and civil liberties in the retail sector, as businesses seek effective ways to deter crime while maintaining public trust.
