John,
Did you know that if you shop at a store that uses facial recognition, the price of products you’re sold, quality of service you receive, and even your ability to enter a store can change based on who an algorithm thinks you are?1,2
Walmart, Macy’s, Kroger, and other major US retailers are using facial recognition. Their creepy technology can link your identity to your purchases and other personal information, track your movements, and make assumptions about who you are to figure out how they can squeeze more money out of you. These companies justify using this tech to prevent theft and “personalize” the shopping experience, but are actually prioritizing their bottom line over your privacy.
We just launched a new scorecard reporting which major retailers are using, may be using, and aren’t using facial recognition technology. Check out the scorecard and send a message to demand stores stop using facial recognition now!
CHECK OUT THE
SCORECARD
This might sound like some dystopian future, but it’s happening now, often without our knowledge. Stores are tracking every move you make, can sync video with data about your income, past purchases, and other behaviors, and then make decisions about how much to charge you and how to treat you. They can even use this technology to ban you from the store.
There are very few laws to protect people from this intense surveillance, and stores do their best to hide what they’re doing to avoid scrutiny. But even if people did know this was happening, not everyone can opt out of shopping at certain stores depending on where they live or what they can afford. People who work in these stores don’t have a choice if they want to keep their job.
This isn’t something everyone can avoid with personal choices—we need stores to stop. Can you take a minute to demand stores stop using facial recognition?
GO TO THE
SCORECARD
Target, Costco, CVS, Home Depot, Verizon, and Dollar Tree have told us they don’t use facial recognition in stores. But others, including H.E.B, Albertsons, Walmart, Macy’s, and Kroger are; and stores including Walgreens, 7-11, and Best Buy might.
We’ve seen in the past that when we bring public attention and scrutiny to the use of facial recognition, we can force companies to commit to not using it. You can help get more stores to commit to not use this invasive, biased, and dangerous technology—take action now.
Together,
Caitlin at Fight for the Future
Footnotes:
1. Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2020/05/08/how-facial-recognition-will-change-retail/?sh=586cd043daa1
2. CNET: https://www.cnet.com/news/with-facial-recognition-shoplifting-may-get-you-banned-in-places-youve-never-been/
Fight for the Future works to protect your rights in the digital age.
