Sainsbury's has begun an eight-week trial of facial recognition technology in two supermarkets, one in London and one in Bath, as part of a potential nationwide roll-out to identify shoplifters. The supermarket is working with Facewatch, a facial recognition provider already used by several UK retailers. Managers say the technology aims to identify and potentially ban people who are violent, aggressive or steal, and that records will be deleted instantly if software does not match a reported individual. Privacy campaigners and some MPs have strongly criticised the move and called for a ban.
"Sainsbury's decision to trial Orwellian facial recognition technology in its shops is deeply disproportionate and chilling. "Sainsbury's should abandon this trial and the government must urgently step in to prevent the unchecked spread of this invasive technology."
Sainsbury's said the plans were "not about monitoring" staff or customers, but to create "safe, secure and welcoming environments".
"The retail sector is at a crossroads, facing rising abuse, anti-social behaviour and violence. We must put safety first," said Sainsbury's chief executive Simon Roberts.
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