Supermarket Boss Stands by Controversial Crime-Fighting Measure
- Asda chair Allan Leighton defends facial recognition trial in stores
- Facial recognition being tested in five Greater Manchester stores
- Privacy concerns raised by Big Brother Watch
- Average of four to five assaults on Asda staff daily
- First quarter sales excluding fuel fell 5.9% to £5bn
- Like-for-like trading declined 3.1%
- Improvement compared to previous quarter
- Asda scrapped plan for driver-facing cameras in delivery vans
Asda chair Allan Leighton has defended the supermarket’s use of facial recognition technology in its stores to combat retail crime, stating that protecting staff is a top priority. The trial is currently underway in five Greater Manchester locations and involves scanning customers’ faces against a list of known criminals. Privacy campaigners Big Brother Watch criticized the move as ‘Orwellian’ and ‘dangerous’. Despite the controversy, Leighton emphasized that ensuring staff safety is his main concern. Asda reported a 5.9% drop in first quarter sales excluding fuel to £5bn and a 3.1% like-for-like decline, but noted an improvement compared to the previous period. The company also abandoned plans for driver-facing cameras in delivery vans due to privacy concerns.
Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about Asda’s use of facial recognition technology in its stores and the company’s response to privacy concerns. It also includes relevant details about sales performance and a related decision regarding driver-facing cameras. However, it lacks some context on the specifics of the facial recognition trial and does not include any personal opinions or biased language.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information on Asda’s use of facial recognition technology in its stores and the company’s response to privacy concerns. It also mentions the retailer’s sales performance and a related decision regarding driver-facing cameras. However, it could benefit from more in-depth analysis or expert opinions on the implications of using such technology and potential consequences.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: No
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses Asda’s use of facial recognition technology in its stores to combat retail crime and its impact on staff safety. It also mentions a slight improvement in the company’s sales performance. However, there is no direct mention or significant impact on financial markets or specific companies.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification:
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