Coles, Woolworths Test Facial Recognition

Australia’s two largest supermarket chains, Coles and Woolworths, have conducted early tests of facial recognition technology as part of efforts to combat retail crime and protect staff, though neither has confirmed plans for a wider rollout in Australian stores.

The companies carried out the controlled tests amid rising concerns over violence, aggression and theft in retail settings. Coles stressed that its exercise was a small, one-off proof-of-concept that did not use customer or team member information or data. A spokesperson said the company has not conducted a full trial and that no decision has been made about deploying the technology. Coles does not currently use facial recognition in its stores.

Woolworths tested the technology at its New Zealand office. A spokesperson did not detail the nature of the test or whether it would be introduced in Australia, but emphasised that keeping team members and customers safe remains a priority. The company noted that despite existing safety measures, stores continue to experience daily incidents of aggression and conflict, including the presentation of weapons.

The developments follow a February ruling in which hardware retailer Bunnings successfully defended its use of facial recognition against a privacy challenge. The Administrative Review Tribunal found that the technology could be used in limited circumstances to address retail crime and protect staff and customers from violence. Privacy advocates and the Privacy Commissioner have previously raised concerns about consent, potential misidentification of certain demographic groups, and the broader implications of scanning faces in public retail spaces.

In July the Privacy Commissioner issued updated guidance that permits facial recognition in public places, including shops, provided it complies with privacy rules. The Australian Retail Council said retail workers face unacceptable levels of violence, threats and abuse. Its chief executive, Chris Rodwell, argued that facial recognition, used responsibly, can help identify known high-harm repeat offenders so staff can take preventive action. The industry, he said, is testing the technology carefully to align with Privacy Commissioner guidelines and community expectations.

A recent survey by the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association found that about one-third of retail workers did not feel safe at work. Over a 12-month period, 88 per cent reported experiencing verbal abuse, 25 per cent physical violence, and significant numbers faced sexual harassment, racial abuse or repeated abuse from the same customers.