Bunnings and Kmart in Australia are being Investigated Over Customer 'Faceprints'

The Australian Privacy Commissioner has launched an investigation into two retail behemoths' use of facial recognition technology. In some locations, hardware retailer Bunnings and department store Kmart collect customers' "faceprints." Choice, a consumer advocacy organisation, claims that the technology is unethical, invasive, and being used without proper consent or reasoning.

Both retailers defended its use as a theft deterrent and safety precaution. According to the Australian Information Commissioner, her office has launched an investigation to determine whether they violated privacy laws.

According to Angelene Falk, Australian retailers can only collect sensitive biometric information if it is "reasonably necessary" for their operations and they have "clear consent." "While deterring theft and creating a safe environment are important goals, using high privacy impact technologies in stores carries significant privacy risks," Commissioner Falk said last month, after the use of the technology, was first revealed.

"Retailers need to be able to demonstrate that it is a proportionate response." Last year, she found convenience store chain 7-Eleven had interfered with customers' privacy by collecting faceprints in a similar case. The watchdog also stated that it is "conducting inquiries" into another retail company, The Good Guys, which has ceased using facial recognition technology.