Sainsbury's to introduce facial recognition across its stores

SAINSBURY ’S has said it plans to introduce facial recognition across its UK shops as it launches the controversial technology in its first stores.

- 

‘The UK's second largest supermarket chain has informed staff in two stores that it will start an eight-week trial before potentially rolling out the technology nationwide.

Sainsbury's has said the technology is part of its efforts to identify shoplifters and curb a sharp increase in retail crime in recent years.

However, use of facial recognition has been heavily criticised by privacy groups, with rival Asda facing thousands of complaints after launching its own similar trial earlier this year.

Bosses at Sainsbury's, which has more than 1,400 shops across the country, said the plans are “not about monitoring colleagues” or customers.

‘This week, the retailer will start using the technology in its Sydenham superstore in London and its Bath Oldfield Sainsbury's Local store.