Privacy Concerns Rise as Asda Trials Facial Recognition to Combat Retail Crime
- Asda faces over 5,000 complaints about facial recognition tech trial
- Big Brother Watch labels trial ‘deeply disproportionate and chilling’
- Facial recognition technology integrated into CCTV network
- Innocent shoppers may be blacklisted without due process
Asda has been hit with thousands of complaints following the implementation of facial recognition technology at five of its Greater Manchester stores. The supermarket giant partnered with FaiceTech to trial the tech in an effort to combat retail crime, but privacy campaigning organization Big Brother Watch claims it turns shoppers into suspects and subjects them to biometric identity checks without due process. The technology is integrated into Asda’s existing CCTV network, scanning images and comparing results to a list of known offenders. Critics argue that the system has issues with accuracy and can lead to innocent customers being falsely accused of shoplifting. Big Brother Watch urges Asda to abandon the trial.
Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about Asda’s facial recognition technology trial, including the number of complaints received, the organization behind the campaign, and the concerns raised by privacy advocates. It also mentions other retailers that have faced similar criticism for using such technology. However, it could be improved by providing more context on the issues with accuracy and bias in facial recognition technology and the potential consequences for innocent customers.
Noise Level: 4
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about Asda’s facial recognition technology trial and the complaints received, but it could benefit from more in-depth analysis of the implications and potential consequences of using such technology in retail settings.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: No
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses Asda’s trial of facial recognition technology in its stores to combat retail crime, which is a financial topic as it involves security measures taken by the company. However, there is no direct impact on financial markets or specific companies mentioned.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Minor
Extreme Rating Justification: The article discusses concerns and complaints about Asda’s use of facial recognition technology in its stores, but there is no extreme event mentioned. The impact is considered minor as it mainly involves privacy concerns and potential misuse of the technology, without any significant consequences or deaths.
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