Tue, 02 Sep 2025

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 Sainsbury's to trial facial recognition to catch shoplifters

Sainsbury's says the technology is part of efforts to identify shoplifters to curb retail crime.
Sainsbury's plans to introduce facial recognition technology in its stores across the UK to identify shoplifters, following an 8-week trial in two London and Bath locations. The supermarket chain claims it aims to create "safe, secure and welcoming environments" but has been criticized by privacy campaigners as "deeply disproportionate and chilling". Sainsbury's is working with facial recognition business Facewatch, which is already used by several UK retailers, including Budgens and Sports Direct. However, the use of facial recognition in shops has sparked concerns about data and privacy. The supermarket chain says it will only use the technology to identify individuals who have been reported for violent or aggressive behavior, and that records will be deleted if the software does not recognize the face. Sainsbury's claims it is necessary due to a rise in shoplifting offences, which increased by 20% last year according to the Office for National Statistics. Privacy campaigners BigBrotherWatch have urged Sainsbury's to abandon its plans, while Crime and Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson says the Home Office is working with businesses to tackle retail crime. The USDAW union has welcomed Sainsbury's approach, saying it will continue to work closely with the supermarket chain on a "responsible, evidence-led" approach to tackling retail crime. The use of facial recognition technology in shops has been heavily criticized by campaigners and MPs, who are calling for a ban on its use.
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