Australia’s Retail Chains Face “Face‑Scanning” Face‑off
In a plot twist straight out of a consumer‑rights blockbuster, Choice has sent three of the country’s biggest shop‑aholics—JB Hi‑Fi, Bunnings, and Kmart—to the privacy watchdog for alleged over‑the‑top facial‑recognition drama.
What’s the Deal?
Choice’s spat came after a complaint that these stores were running “unreasonably intrusive” face‑scanning tech on shoppers. According to the put‑on‑the‑hip critics, the cameras give the retailers a glimpse into your face during your shopping spree. The company even named the door‑buster names: JB Hi‑Fi’s appliance kingdom, Bunnings’ handy hardware empire, and Kmart’s Aussie branch, all rolled up into a single Wesfarmers bundle.
Regulations in Not‑So‑Cool Kit
- The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) is now in the ring, reviewing the complaints to see if the stores might have crossed a line.
- Choice, making the case for people’s privacy, argues the cameras are unnecessary “surveillance” on average shoppers.
- Bunnings looked quite plain‑spoken about it. Chief Operating Officer Simon McDowell said that the tech is “strictly for security” and was put in place after an uptick in “challenging interactions” from customers.
Allegations vs. Real Talk
Bunnings’ “disappointed” stance: “We didn’t get choice to put these cameras. We’re disappointed by Choice’s inaccurate characterization.” That’s what the CO‑O said, flipping the narrative on its head and insisting the tech is all about keeping the store safe — no facial‑scan “Cindy’s “social‑media‑obsessed paparazzi” duties.
Takeaway
This is a reminder that even the biggest discount shops might be walking on thin ice when it comes to the ethics of face‑scan. Whether it’s the personal privacy of shoppers or an accidental camera‑camera‑chaos situation, the Australian regulator’s hands will be busy highlighting a possible overreach. The outcome? We’ll need to see if the “face‑scan” drama gets a shaving off or a big face‑lift forever in retail policy fair.
<img alt="" data-caption="A logo of Bunnings, which is part of the Wesfarmers retail conglomerate, is seen at a store in Sydney, Australia on Feb 17, 2022.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”3fe41e41-34c3-4bf5-97a7-b906646eb9e6″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/IFLLPAYX5BJUPPBZHNJJ6EXDK4.jpeg”/>
Australia’s Biggest Facial‑Recognition Fiasco
Facial‑recognition tech is sparking a wild legal showdown, with JB Hi‑Fi and Kmart sticking their heads in the mud, refusing to weigh in. Government watchdogs are gripped by a choice‑worthy complaint that could set a new precedent for privacy in the land down under.
What the Complaint Says
- Choice, a consumer‑rights champion, claims that Kmart, Bunnings, and The Good Guys are playing fast and loose with the Privacy Act.
- These retailers run roughly 800 outlets and pulled a cool A$25 billion last year – a hefty sum to protect from a data‑breach frenzy.
- Choice estimates that facial‑recognition carries a “significant risk to individuals”, from privacy invasions to misidentification, discrimination, profiling, and cyber‑theft.
- “Customer silence is no consent,” Choice warned, noting many shoppers had no other option to buy if the tech was invasive.
Past Actions by Choice
Choice has rolled up its sleeves before, pulling a few out‑of‑the‑box moves that changed how retail privacy works in Australia.
- In 2021, the group forced 7‑Eleven to scrap all faceprints gathered at 700 stores on iPads used for tiny surveys.
- They also smacked down Clearview AI—a U.S. company that scours social media for images to build player profiles—by ordering Australia’s shut‑down of its data‑collection.
- Through these actions, Choice says several companies have been collecting personal data without real, open consent.
Why This Matters
With likely enforcement actions looming, this isn’t just a tidy box for the government. It’s a bigger battleground for privacy, fairness, and the future of e‑commerce. The stakes: customers’ eyes on their screens might soon become a surveillance nightmare. Whether you’re a shopper or a data geek, the story is one everyone will be watching.
Feel free to share your thoughts: is facial‑recognition a convenience or a threat? Tell us below!
