Tesco invading your privacy?

[Surfer01]

Surely this cannot be allowed as they are not filming for security purposes but are in essence selling on your personal data without your permission. I know it is not data as it is generally known but it is still your data. However we have no idea how else that data coudl eb used. Tesco have your card details which gives your address plus your photo? Luckily we do not use Tesco so not really an issue for us.

 

Tesco is set to install hi-tech screens that scan the faces of shoppers as they queue at the till to detect their age and *** for advertisers. It will then tailor adverts to that person.

 

They've signed a deal with Lord Alan Sugar's Amscreen in a move which last night sparked fresh concerns from privacy campaigners about the growing use of "invasive" technology in the nation's shops.

 

The "OptimEyes" system will be rolled out into 450 Tesco petrol forecourts, which serve millions of customers a week.

 

It works by using inbuilt cameras in a TV-style screen above the till that identify whether a customer is male or female, estimate their age and judge how long they look at the ad.

 

The "real time" data is fed back to advertisers to give them a better idea of the effectiveness of their campaigns and enable them to tailor ads to certain times of the day.

http://www.signal1.co.uk/on-air/breakfast/topics/tesco-advert-face-scanner/

Edited November 5, 2013 by citizenB

[sequenci]

It's certainly an interesting development. I can't see how it would be an invasion of privacy though.

[citizenB]

Hmm, well I guess Azda will have an increase in customers then

[Surfer01]

It's certainly an interesting development. I can't see how it would be an invasion of privacy though.

You have no idea what they are going to do with the images of yourself that they captured. For all you know you could be appearing on Youtube at some point with derogatory comments!

[MaxxPower]

If it's an Amstrad product I'm sure it wont last very long

[sequenci]

You have no idea what they are going to do with the images of yourself that they captured. For all you know you could be appearing on Youtube at some point with derogatory comments!

 

They've been capturing images of me for years already. Every time we all fill up we're getting filmed already.

[Surfer01]

They've been capturing images of me for years already. Every time we all fill up we're getting filmed already.

No issue with that as it is for security purposes and their own use, but in this case they are selling your "data" onto a third party which makes a difference. What if you wear a name tag and forget to take it off when you enter the building?

[sequenci]

I guess if people are that concerned they can choose one of the other petrol retailers.

[Surfer01]

I guess if people are that concerned they can choose one of the other petrol retailers.

 

True but many people may not realise that they are being captured on CCTV for use by external companies. Also, they capture an image of your your face, match it with the details they already have from your loyalty card and they will be able to get to a new level of personal shopping. Or is that snooping?

 

I know that at the moment they are only talking about their garages but it's a dead cert that it will end up on all checkouts if they think it's a success.

 

Looks like we'll be using Morrisons even more.

Edited November 5, 2013 by Surfer01

[ericsbrother]

It is designed for facial recognition and aims advertisements at male and female customers so it is really quite crude in its targeting at present but the capabilites are there. I'm certain that they will push it to full facial recognition attached to your clubcard or debut card and then you will get more precise targeting and more annoying adverts with that. The worrying bit is what they use it for next such as spotting previous shoplifters or awkward customers generally. That could be its undoing if it discriminates against people with certain characteristics like wheelchair users or tattoos.

[Jamberson]

 

Looks like we'll be using Morrisons even more.

 

Be certain that all the other supermarkets will be watching closely to see how tesco get on. Assuming there is no mass boycott, Tesco will probably realise some benefits from this, and if so, you can expect the others to follow suit. Moreover, it will be in their mutual interests to share data with one another.

 

These are big companies who collectively own most of the supply of food to the population. They have money, lawyers, resources, and if they take it upon themselves to record our movements and behaviour, there is practically nothing we can do, because they will all be at it.

[Ganymede]

You have no idea what they are going to do with the images of yourself that they captured. For all you know you could be appearing on Youtube at some point with derogatory comments!

 

 

 

So what? I couldn't give a damn if I'm filmed, it happens every time I walk down the street or go onto a bank or shop etc.

[porkyp1g]

Yep it's actually quite clever and if they send me vouchers for money off bread coz I look at a hovis ad then I'm all for it. Surely shoplifters being weeded out by this system is a good thing? Why would they discriminate against disabled people or tattoos?

[stu007]

Yes but as it still comes under the CCTV usage they would still legally have to display signage stating the purpose and use of that equipment for members of the public to see.