Following CHOICE's investigation and complaint, the privacy regulator has announced an investigation into the use of facial recognition technology by Bunnings and Kmart. 

"CHOICE welcomes the regulator's decision to investigate Bunnings and Kmart for potential breaches of the Privacy Act," says CHOICE Consumer Data Advocate, Kate Bower. 

"We know this investigation struck a nerve with the Australian community, who have expressed significant concern about the use of facial recognition technology in Bunnings and Kmart stores."

"We look forward to the outcome of OAIC's investigation. This could set the standard for how businesses treat customers and their data."

The OAIC has also commenced preliminary inquiries with The Good Guys following reports that the company has paused its use of the technology. 

"It's now up to Bunnings and Kmart to read the room and pause their use of facial recognition technology in store while the OAIC investigates. We've already seen that The Good Guys have taken a step in the right direction by pausing their use of the technology, and it's time for Kmart and Bunnings to do the same." 

Media contact: Katelyn Cameron, 0430 172 669, media@choice.com.au