By Phil Pennington of RNZ
The heads of a dozen of the largest retailers and telcos in the country have voiced their strong support for the use of facial recognition technology in their stores. This comes after the Privacy Commissioner cautiously approved a trial in New World and Pak’nSave supermarkets.
“The undersigned major New Zealand retailers strongly endorse the use of fair and accurate technology to safeguard our workers and customers,” stated a joint statement on Retail NZ’s website.
Although they did not specify a timeline for implementation, they expressed their commitment to developing best practices in utilizing the technology. They emphasized the importance of using technology in a fair and accurate manner.
Signatories of the letter included the heads of Briscoes, Rebel Sport, Bunnings, Mitre 10, Michael Hill Jewellers, Farmers, The Warehouse, Foodstuffs, Woolworths, and telcos One NZ and Spark.
Privacy Concerns
Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster highlighted that his report did not signify a blanket approval for widespread use of facial recognition technology. He acknowledged the significance of the issue for many businesses and emphasized the need for careful consideration before implementing the technology.
While the trial showed promising results, concerns were raised about potential misidentifications if the technology were to be scaled up. Suggestions were made to enhance algorithm accuracy and implement additional measures to protect privacy.
A Māori Reference Panel expressed opposition to the use of facial recognition technology in supermarkets, citing concerns about surveillance and limited alternative options for individuals.
Implementation Details
Retail NZ’s Carolyn Young explained that facial recognition technology would primarily be used to identify individuals who have trespassed or exhibited aggressive behavior in stores. The technology would not monitor customers continuously but would capture an image as they enter the store for safety purposes.
The signatories acknowledged the importance of oversight and commended Foodstuffs for leading the way with the trial. They emphasized that the use of facial recognition technology, when implemented correctly, could provide benefits without compromising the privacy of individuals.
Webster recommended training algorithms on New Zealanders’ faces to reduce bias and improve accuracy. Limited testing conducted by the Department of Internal Affairs indicated the accuracy of the technology currently in use.
Global Perspectives
Various countries have different approaches to facial recognition technology, with some emphasizing the need for oversight and regulation. In Australia, concerns were raised about privacy implications, leading to proactive regulatory strategies.
The evolving landscape of facial recognition technology underscores the importance of balancing technological advancements with privacy considerations. The role of oversight and community expectations play a significant role in shaping the future of biometric information use.
