The Good Guys Hit Pause on Face‑Recognition Glitch After Privacy Overhaul
In Melbourne, the Australian retail giant The Good Guys has announced that it will temporarily stop testing facial‑recognition software in its stores. The decision comes after the consumer watchdog Choice filed a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC), claiming the tech was “unreasonably intrusive” and might breach privacy laws.
What’s Going On?
- The trial involved an upgraded security system that used optional facial‑recognition in two Melbourne outlets.
- Choice’s letter suggested the technology could cross privacy boundaries, setting the stage for possible enforcement action.
- JB Hi‑Fi Ltd – the parent company of The Good Guys – insists it was fully compliant with regulations but is taking a cautious approach until OAIC gives a green light.
Why the Pause Matters
The Good Guys’ decision trusts that the community expects responsible use of new tech. It also leaves two other retailers in the spotlight—Bunnings and Kmart (both owned by Wesfarmers)—both of which face potential fines if found breaching privacy provisions.
The Reactions
- Choice applauded the pause: “It’s a step in the right direction that mirrors what customers want.”
- Choice policy adviser Amy Pereira highlighted the need for Bunnings and Kmart to cease what it called “unethical and unnecessary” facial‑recognition usage.
- Bunnings stressed it only uses the tech for security after a spike in “challenging interactions,” calling Choice’s portrayal inaccurate.
- Kmart defended the limited trial as a narrow focus on safety and loss prevention, asserting legal compliance.
Regulator’s Take
The OAIC has confirmed it is reviewing the complaint. This follows last year’s actions against retailers like 7‑Eleven and tech firm Clearview AI, which had to scrub data after collecting customer “faceprints.”
Bottom Line
Face‑recognition – a hot topic in retail – is back in the hands of regulators and consumers. The Good Guys’ pause may signal a broader shift toward more privacy‑respecting practices in Australian stores.
