Consumer group CHOICE has released new data on 20 of Australia's largest retailers revealing whether they are using or planning to use facial recognition technology in their stores.

17 retailers have confirmed they don't currently use facial recognition in their stores, and have no plans to introduce it. 

"CHOICE is really pleased to confirm that a number of big Australian retailers aren't using facial recognition on their customers, and have no plans to introduce it. Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, Target and Big W, among others, have all told us that they aren't using this highly controversial technology in their stores, and don't plan to," says CHOICE consumer data advocate, Kate Bower. 

"This commitment from the 17 retailers to avoid the use of facial recognition technology will be strongly welcomed by their customers. We know the community are really worried about the use of facial recognition, with some describing it as 'creepy and invasive'. Consumers will be pleased to know they can go into a store like Woolworths or Myer without having their sensitive personal information captured by facial recognition technology." 

The following 17 retailers have confirmed they don't use facial recognition in stores and have no plans to introduce it: 

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Bunnings and Kmart are both continuing to use the technology despite extensive public outcry and an open investigation by the Information Commissioner, while The Good Guys has paused a trial awaiting the outcome of the investigation.

A survey of over 16,000 CHOICE supporters found that 80% of people believed that Kmart and Bunnings should stop using facial recognition technology.*

"Unfortunately, both Bunnings and Kmart continue to use facial recognition technology on customers at a number of their stores. The fact that so many other major Australian retailers aren't using facial recognition is a clear sign that Bunnings and Kmart should immediately reconsider their decision," says Bower. 

Read the full story here: www.choice.com.au/facialrecognitionscorecard

Sign the petition calling on Kmart and Bunnings to stop using facial recognition technology: www.choice.com.au/facialrecognitionpetition

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

Editor's notes:

*An online survey of over 16,000 CHOICE supporters and the general public was conducted in July 2022. The survey asked respondents to share their opinion on the use of facial recognition technology in retail settings.