These sinister changes at Bunnings have left customers furious
- Facial recognition notice seen in Bunnings
- License plate reading is also being used
- Both features are in the ‘Entry Conditions’
Bunnings has quietly introduced license plate and facial recognition technology for customers entering its stores.
A shopper spotted a sign warning Bunnings was using facial recognition software on the shop’s “conditions of entry” sign at a new store in Preston, Melbourne.
‘CCTV is in use. Facial recognition technology may be used’, reads the poster shared on reddit by Victorian buyer.
“License plate recognition technology may be used and images may be shared with police for security and crime prevention purposes,” he continued.
This is the first time Bunnings has mentioned facial recognition since he suspended use of the technology last year after an investigation was launched into privacy concerns.
Facial recognition CCTV software made a comeback and license plate readers made their debut in Bunning’s ‘Conditions of Entry’ signage at Melbourne’s Preston store (pictured)
This is the first time Bunnings has mentioned facial recognition since he suspended use of the technology last year after an investigation was launched into privacy concerns.
Bunnings introduced the controversial technology to stores in 2022, but in June agreed to temporarily suspend its use after significant backlash from shoppers.
While the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) bought ethics investigation is still ongoing, the chain is keeping these posters as placeholders and has not resumed the use of facial recognition.
“A few months ago, we updated the terms of the entrance signage so that it has a consistent appearance throughout our store network,” Bunnings director of store operations Ben Camire told 7News.
‘This signage can be found in existing stores, as well as new stores such as Preston in Victoria.
“The signage includes guidelines for customers who wish to bring their pets into the store and details on the use of CCTV.”
However, the new poster that has appeared in Preston is one of the first to mention license plate reading technology.
Former employees have said that the use of license plates and other identifying features is used primarily by the store’s loss prevention department.
Secret ‘banned customers’ lists are allegedly compiled regarding known thieves and abusive shoppers who are then monitored by staff upon entering the store.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Bunnings for comment.
Number plate recognition is currently used in many car parks and retail stores in Australia, working primarily to prevent theft and loss.
Bunnings introduced the controversial technology to stores in 2022, but in June agreed to temporarily suspend its use after significant backlash from shoppers.
Former employees have said that the use of license plates and other identifying features is used primarily by the store’s loss prevention department.
The store’s sign posting on social media on Wednesday drew immediate comment.
“If I buy a car, I would hate to think of being branded a thief by the previous owner,” said one person.
“I know we like inconvenience, but seriously, I wish I could go about my daily activities without being spied on,” said a second.
“I would really like to see a mandatory traffic light system,” another person added.
‘Green light: no facial recognition. Yellow light: faces checked but not stored. Red: Facial recognition for security, marketing, analytics, or any other purpose,” the poster explained.
“At least it would be transparent, plus a really big red sign wouldn’t look particularly attractive.”
Others praised the system, which they say will improve their shopping experience as long as the technology isn’t abused.
“Seems like a reasonably proportioned system as long as they don’t start abusing who gets added to the banned client list,” said a fourth.
