Privacy Rights Group Claims Unlawful Surveillance in UK Supermarkets
- Southern Co-Op faces legal complaint over facial recognition CCTV
- Big Brother Watch claims that the group uses biometric cameras infringing data rights of UK data subjects
- Facial recognition technology used in 35 stores
- Photos can be kept for up to two years and shared with other companies
- Surveillance firm Facewatch linked to Chinese state-owned Hikvision
- Big Brother Watch urges immediate stop of the technology’s use
Southern Co-Op is facing a legal challenge after Big Brother Watch filed a complaint over its use of live facial recognition cameras, which allegedly infringes on the data rights of numerous UK data subjects. The supermarket chain has installed this technology in 35 stores and reportedly uses it to create biometric profiles of shoppers, adding individuals to a blacklist without informing them. Photos can be kept for days to help Facewatch improve its system and are shared with other companies that buy access to their system. Big Brother Watch claims the group uses facial recognition software from Hikvision, linked to serious security flaws and banned in the US. The Information Commissioner is urged to stop the technology’s use.
Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about Southern Co-Op’s use of facial recognition technology in their stores and the legal challenge filed by Big Brother Watch. It includes relevant details about the concerns raised by the privacy rights group and quotes from Silkie Carlo, the director of Big Brother Watch. However, it could be improved by providing more context on the specific laws that may have been violated or the potential consequences if found guilty.
Noise Level: 4
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about a legal challenge against Southern Co-op’s use of facial recognition technology in their stores. It highlights concerns over privacy rights and potential misuse of the data collected by the system. However, it could benefit from more detailed analysis or expert opinions on the implications of this technology in the long term.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Southern Co-Op’s stock price
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses a legal challenge against Southern Co-Op’s use of facial recognition technology, which could potentially impact the company’s reputation and stock price if it leads to negative public perception or regulatory action.
Presence Of Extreme Event: Yes
Nature Of Extreme Event: Legal and Judicial Events
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Minor
Extreme Rating Justification: The legal challenge against Southern Co-op’s use of facial recognition cameras is considered an extreme event due to potential privacy infringements and concerns about the technology’s legality. However, its impact is rated as Minor because it does not involve significant deaths, injuries, economic damage or displacement, but rather focuses on data rights violations.
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