Bunnings Approved to Use AI Facial Recognition to Combat Crime
Australian hardware retailer Bunnings has received approval to implement artificial intelligence facial recognition technology in its stores. This decision aims to combat retail crime and enhance the safety of both customers and staff.
Bunnings’ Legal Battle and Tribunal Ruling
The journey to secure this technology was fraught with challenges. Australia’s Privacy Commissioner, Carly Kind, initially ruled in 2024 that Bunnings had violated privacy laws by scanning customers’ faces without their consent. However, the Administrative Review Tribunal of Australia overturned this decision, stating Bunnings operated within legal boundaries.
Key Findings from the Tribunal
- Bunnings used facial recognition to monitor customers and mitigate crime risks.
- The tribunal emphasized the importance of improving Bunnings’ privacy policies.
- Customers should be informed about the use of AI-based facial recognition.
Mike Schneider, managing director of Bunnings, expressed appreciation for the tribunal’s decision. He noted that their intent was to prevent various forms of violence and criminal conduct within the store.
Implementation of AI Technology
Bunnings first initiated a trial of facial recognition technology in November 2018. The program expanded to 62 additional stores in New South Wales and Victoria by November 2021. Developed by the Japanese company Hitachi, the AI technology is designed to enhance security operations.
Privacy Concerns
The privacy commissioner raised significant concerns about Bunnings’ practices. The company maintained an “enrolment database” containing biometric data of customers that had been captured through surveillance cameras. This database, stored both locally and on a central server in Sydney, was used to identify individuals with suspicious activities.
- During the investigation, it was revealed that many customers were likely unaware their identities were being monitored.
- When there was no match found, data was reportedly deleted within approximately 4.17 milliseconds.
In 2024, investigations indicated that around 70% of incidents in Bunnings stores were linked to repeat offenders, supporting the need for this technology. Consumer advocacy group Choice brought attention to the issue in 2022, prompting companies like Bunnings to reevaluate their facial recognition practices.
The Future of Facial Recognition in Retail
The tribunal’s ruling is poised to create a precedent for other retailers contemplating similar technology. Gary Mortimer, a professor at Queensland University of Technology, suggests the ruling underscores a responsibility for retailers to ensure safety for both employees and customers.
Potential Broader Impacts
- Retailers might increasingly adopt facial recognition to deter crime.
- The technology could extend its benefits to various public service sectors.
- Clearer communication about data collection practices is necessary for customer trust.
As facial recognition technology becomes commonplace, retailers must address privacy concerns while exploring innovative safety solutions. The balance between customer safety and privacy will remain a critical topic in the evolving landscape of retail technology.
