Source: Privacy Commissioner
Foodstuffs North Island have engaged constructively with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner on their proposed use of facial recognition technology, including sharing with us their privacy impact assessment for comment. We prompted Foodstuffs North Island to carefully consider whether the use of facial recognition technology was a necessary, proportionate, and effective response to harmful behaviour in Foodstuffs stores. We also provided a range of other comments, including the importance of being transparent with shoppers about the use of facial recognition technology, and to proactively engage with stakeholders, including Mori. We recognise Foodstuffs has a responsibility to take steps to keep customers and staff safe. However, it is not clear to our office how facial recognition technology is going to achieve this. As a result, we have been counselling caution given the privacy intrusive nature of facial recognition technology and the inaccuracy and profiling risks involved.
