Will NZ supermarkets start scanning your face? What shoppers need to know about Facial Recognition Technology
Facial recognition technology
(
FRT
) is gradually entering New Zealand's retail sector, with major retailers and telecommunications companies supporting its adoption. The shift comes after
Foodstuffs
' recent trial, which earned a "cautious tick" from the Office of the
Privacy Commissioner
.
Major retail stores believe introducing this technology will reduce retail crime and protect staff from aggressive or repeat offenders. It has now sparked a national conversation about surveillance, ethics, and data rights vs. the stores' safety.
Retailers backing the use of FRT include Briscoes, Rebel Sport, Bunnings, Mitre 10, Michael Hill, Farmers, The Warehouse, Foodstuffs (both North and South Islands), Woolworths, and telcos One NZ and Spark.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Discover the best air conditioner unit prices in the Philippines 2024
Air Condition | Search Ads
Search Now
Undo
These businesses have signed a joint statement supporting the 'fair and accurate' use of the technology and pledged to develop best-practice guidelines before rolling it out more broadly across the country.
'We recognise that technology must be used in a fair and accurate way. Guardrails are needed to support customers' privacy, and to guard against potential bias and discrimination.', the statement said.
Live Events
How will it work?
The systems work by capturing a photo of someone entering a store. Staff are alerted if the individual matches someone on a 'watchlist', typically for previous trespass notices or aggressive incidents. If not, the image is deleted immediately.
Retailers insist this is not about tracking regular shoppers but deterring repeat offenders who pose risks to staff and customers.
When will it start?
However, the Privacy Commissioner, Michael Webster, has clarified that this is not a 'green light' for the mass deployment of FRT.
He warned that even a small misidentification rate can impact hundreds of people. For example, Foodstuffs North Island's trial estimated up to 900 false matches annually.
He recommended raising the accuracy of facial matching algorithms from 90 per cent to at least 92.5 per cent and stressed the importance of local model training to reduce bias. He also called for robust privacy frameworks and community consultation.
A
Māori Reference Panel
has voiced strong opposition. A Māori Reference Panel set up at the end of 2024 told the commissioner it opposed FRT's use in supermarkets, saying such technology affects the wider public, not just those on watchlists.
Earlier this month, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said he expects officials to consider a centralised facial recognition system. While such a database could stop offenders from shifting stores, it would need heavy regulation and tight oversight.
At the time,
Retail NZ
chief executive Carolyn Young said it was too early to comment on the centralised option, as the commissioner's evaluation was still being reviewed.
Internationally, FRT is already in use. In Australia, Bunnings has faced legal challenges over applying facial scanning tech. In the United States, major chains like 7-Eleven, Rite Aid, and Home Depot have all tested similar systems, raising similar debates over ethics, consent, and surveillance.
For now, FRT in New Zealand remains in the trial phase. But with big-name backing and ongoing public debate, its national rollout may be closer than many expect, depending on how regulators, technologists, and communities choose to weigh safety against privacy.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
39 minutes ago
- Time of India
Delhi raises a toast to Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg
Ambassador of Luxembourg Peggy Frantzen with chief guest Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West), MEA A gathering of diplomats and friends of the Embassy of Luxembourg came together at The Imperial, New Delhi, to celebrate the National Day of Luxembourg. The evening was filled with stimulating conversations and camaraderie over fine food and drinks. Celebrated to mark the official birthday of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, the National Day reception began on a ceremonial note with the playing of the national anthems of both nations. Relationship of steel In her welcome address, Ambassador Peggy Frantzen said, "The National Day celebrations of 2025 are special, as it is the last one under the current head of state, Grand Duke Henri. This year also marks the completion of his 25 years of reign." Adding, she said, "I hope more people get to know about the friendly and amicable long-time relationship between India and Luxembourg. Cultural ties are evolving, with many artists travelling to showcase their talents, thereby strengthening people-to-people links. Our cooperation in the steel sector started over a 100 years ago and remains an important link and strong base of the India-Luxembourg relationship." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Ambassador of European Union Hervé Delphin and Ambassador of Ireland Kevin Kelly Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, who was the chief guest, said, "We send our warmest greetings to His Royal Highness and the people of Luxembourg. From the steel sector, which has been a core strength for a long time, our relationship with Luxembourg has expanded in investment and manufacturing in the fields of IT, fintech, and space. Culturally, with a large population of Indians in Luxembourg, many Indian festivals are celebrated there enthusiastically. " German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann and Swiss Ambassador Maya Tissafi Both the Ambassador and the chief guest remembered the late modernist artist Amarnath Sehgal, who played a pivotal role in cementing the artistic linkages and "promoting cultural understanding" between the two countries. VN Dalmia with the Ambassador of Japan ONO Keiichi As guests mingled, conversations ranged from art and culture to outer space, with many talking about the traditional savoury pie, Rieslingspaschtéit, that was served to the guests. Traditional rieslingspaschtéit and one of Amarnath Sehgal's sculptors On a lighter note, the Ambassador said that she is thankful that this summer in Delhi was a bearable one. "Compared to last summer, it was better this year. I am glad I can go out more and enjoy my walks in Lodhi Garden." Ukrainian Ambassador Dr. Oleksandr Polishchuk and Ambassador of Estonia Marje Luup
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
PM Modi likely to inaugurate Bairabi-Sairang rly line: Official
Aizawl: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to inaugurate the 51.38km long Bairabi-Sairang broad gauge rail line, which is linking the outskirts of Mizoram capital Aizawl city, most probably by July, an official of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NRF) said on Sunday. The official, however, said it is yet to be confirmed as no official communication has so far been received from the ministry of railways. The construction of the Bairabi-Sairang railroad is nearing completion as safety inspection of the railway line between Hortoki and Sairang has been conducted by Sumeet Singhal, commissioner of railway safety (CRS), Northeast Frontier Circle, between June 6 and 10 and has submitted his report to the ministry of railways on June 11. The approval of the ministry is awaited. Singhal had already conducted safety inspection of the railroad between Bairabi and Hortoki in July last year and his report was approved by the railway ministry in early Aug. Speed test of train has also been completed successfully. The ministry of railways reports that the project is nearly complete, with over 94.5% physical progress and 97% financial progress. Constructed at a revised cost of Rs 5,021.45 crore, the railway overcame engineering challenges in one of India's most rugged terrains. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esta pulsera antimosquitos bate todos los récords de ventas en España ZSONIC Compra ahora Undo According to available reports from the rail ministry, construction of the railway line is no ordinary railway building as it involves the construction of 32 tunnels, 35 major bridges and numerous smaller bridges, overpasses and underpasses. Among its standout achievements is a bridge towering 104 metres high. Aizawl: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to inaugurate the 51.38km long Bairabi-Sairang broad gauge rail line, which is linking the outskirts of Mizoram capital Aizawl city, most probably by July, an official of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NRF) said on Sunday. The official, however, said it is yet to be confirmed as no official communication has so far been received from the ministry of railways. The construction of the Bairabi-Sairang railroad is nearing completion as safety inspection of the railway line between Hortoki and Sairang has been conducted by Sumeet Singhal, commissioner of railway safety (CRS), Northeast Frontier Circle, between June 6 and 10 and has submitted his report to the ministry of railways on June 11. The approval of the ministry is awaited. Singhal had already conducted safety inspection of the railroad between Bairabi and Hortoki in July last year and his report was approved by the railway ministry in early Aug. Speed test of train has also been completed successfully. The ministry of railways reports that the project is nearly complete, with over 94.5% physical progress and 97% financial progress. Constructed at a revised cost of Rs 5,021.45 crore, the railway overcame engineering challenges in one of India's most rugged terrains. According to available reports from the rail ministry, construction of the railway line is no ordinary railway building as it involves the construction of 32 tunnels, 35 major bridges and numerous smaller bridges, overpasses and underpasses. Among its standout achievements is a bridge towering 104 metres high.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
MP Kota Shrinivasa Poojary urges nationalised banks to be more efficient and people-friendly
Udupi: MP Kota Shrinivasa Poojary called on nationalised banks in the district to function more efficiently and adopt a people-friendly approach. He stressed the need for the simplification of procedures, especially for educational loans, and insisted that beneficiaries selected under govt schemes receive their due benefits without delay. Presiding over the District Lead Bank Progress Review Meeting held at Dr VS Acharya Hall on the zilla panchayat premises, on Saturday, the MP said financial aid under central and state govt schemes should be made accessible to the public without hassle. He urged banks to increase enrolment under flagship schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana. He also cautioned banks against arbitrarily rejecting applications forwarded by govt departments. Poojary said bank officials and staff must communicate with customers in Kannada. In cases where officials are unable to do so, locals should be deputed to assist. He said more emphasis on PM Mudra and Startup schemes could promote self-employment and contribute to the district's economic growth. Udupi currently ranks second in the state in loan disbursement under the PM Vishwakarma scheme, and he urged officials to work towards achieving the top spot. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Laxmi Ji Idol For Wealth, Peace & Happiness Luxeartisanship Shop Now Undo Zilla panchayat CEO Prateek Bayal stressed that financial support under RBI's priority sector norms should be enhanced. Banks must understand their social responsibility and maintain citizen-friendly practices. He directed banks to ensure 100% achievement of individual targets and urged them not to harass women from self-help groups seeking loans for self-employment. He said banks must assist them with proper guidance on schemes and required documentation. Bayal also raised concerns over certain banks continuing to collect stamp duty despite exemptions for sectors like agriculture, education, and SHGs. He warned that the issue would be taken seriously and recommended strict action if violations continue. He further noted that the district is yet to meet the Rs 12 lakh target for activities under social infrastructure, renewable energy, fisheries, and self-employment. Canara Bank Udupi RO-2 AGM and regional manager Tadinada Srinag Purnananda presented performance figures for FY 2024–25. The agricultural sector achieved 86.3%, MSME 91.1%, education 95.5%, and housing 85.4%. The credit-deposit (CD) ratio improved slightly from 46.9% last year to 47.7% this year. The Annual District Credit Plan (ADP) booklet for FY 2025–26 was released during the event.
