Security News > 2023 > September > Retailers Are Rapidly Scaling Surveillance of Australian Consumers — Why This Is a Red Flag

Australian retailers are rolling out mass surveillance solutions to combat shoplifting, but a poor regulatory environment could mean high risks associated with data security and privacy.

"Once you start using CCTV or any sort of imaging, they've got the raw data from which various biometric mechanisms might be applied," said Chair of the Australian Privacy Foundation David Vaile.

Another concern for those setting up surveillance strategies for their businesses is the potential for the data use for surveillance purposes to go off-scope.

The need to improve data governance strategies while Australian data regulation catches up.

As the number of Australians advocating for the right to have their data erased as a first priority rises, retailers that use surveillance equipment should be obligated to be transparent in how that data is used, stored and who it is shared with.

With the rollouts of mass surveillance in-store still relatively new, IT security teams should take this as an opportunity to champion better data shepherding practices and ensure people's data is only being used for a narrow, intended purpose and responsibly disposed of thereafter.

News URL

https://www.techrepublic.com/article/surveillance-impact-australia/