Sports Direct, Spar, Budgens, Costcutter, and Southern Co-op are among the expanding number of British retailers using a controversial facial-recognition system owned by the Chinese government.
The biometric cameras function by scanning the faces of consumers to compare them to a database of possible criminals.
Critics, however, have labeled them “Orwellian” and “illegal,” claiming that employees could add individuals to a secret “blacklist” without their knowledge.
How does the facial recognition system function, and which businesses have already implemented it?
Some Spar, Budgens, Costco, and Nisa stores utilize them as well.
As soon as the artificial intelligence cameras detect an offender, staff at the Sports Direct retail empire, which is controlled by billionaire Mike Ashley, are notified so they can either escort them out of the store or closely monitor them.
The company, which operates more than 950 stores in the United Kingdom, has stated that “the rollout continues,” raising the possibility that the technology will soon be widespread on the high street.
What is its purpose?
Southern Co-op, an independent grocery store chain, has installed cameras in 35 locations in Portsmouth, Bournemouth, Bristol, Brighton, Hove, Chichester, Southampton, and London.
Big Brother Watch’s investigation, also uncovered several Frasers Group stores that have installed the so-called ‘Facewatch’ facial recognition system to detect shoplifters.
There were thirteen Flannels, twelve Sports Direct, and two USC stores.
