Supermarket Chain Asda Fights Back Against Privacy Concerns

  • Asda denies receiving thousands of complaints about facial recognition trial
  • Only 89 emails received through official channels, says Asda
  • Big Brother Watch claims 5,425 people emailed using Send Layer analytics
  • Facial recognition technology used to combat retail crime and protect staff and customers
  • Dispute over email tracking method continues

Asda has denied claims made by privacy campaigning organisation Big Brother Watch about receiving thousands of complaints over its facial recognition trial in five Greater Manchester stores. The supermarket chain stated that it only received 89 emails through official channels regarding the technology, which scans facial images to compare with a list of known criminals and provides real-time feedback to store security teams. Big Brother Watch used email provider Send Layer analytics to track emails sent to Asda’s domain, claiming 5,425 people had emailed. The supermarket maintains that its teams have not received the emails across any channels.

Factuality Level: 7
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about Asda’s facial recognition trial, its complaints, and Big Brother Watch’s claims. It includes statements from both parties involved in the dispute and presents the facts without sensationalism or personal opinions.
Noise Level: 4
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about Asda’s facial recognition trial and the number of complaints received, but includes some irrelevant details such as mentioning Sainsbury’s boss Simon Roberts and his vow to defend the supermarket’s competitive position, which is not directly related to the main topic.
Financial Relevance: No
Financial Markets Impacted: No
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses Asda’s facial recognition trial and the number of complaints received, but it does not directly pertain to financial topics or impact financial markets or companies.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event in the text and it’s not the main topic.

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