Security News > 2021 > July > Facial-recognition technology gets a smack in the chops from civil rights campaigners

Civil rights campaigners in the US have called on retailers to stop using facial-recognition technology amid worrying privacy concerns and fears that it could lead to people being wrongly arrested.

While Fight for the Future claims retail giants such as Walmart and Kroger have said they would not deploy facial recognition in stores, it claims others - including Macy's, Albertsons, and Lowe's - are still using the technology.

A spokesperson for Lowe's told The Register Fight for the Future is wrong, adding: "Lowe's does not collect biometric or facial recognition data in our stores."

Supporters of facial recognition claim it helps with security by identifying shoplifters and potentially suspect behaviour.

Some banks in America have already been installing cameras with machine-learning software to keep an eye on people, claiming it'll help reduce fraud while monitoring potentially criminal activity near ATMs. Opponents claim the technology is a major infringement to civil liberties.

"Face surveillance in stores is an assault on our human rights," said Jennifer Brody, US Advocacy Manager at digital civil rights outfit Access Now.

News URL

https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2021/07/14/civil_rights_facial_recognition/