Technology: Facial recognition is on the rise – but the law is lagging a long way behind

Melbourne/Canberra: Private companies and public authorities are quietly using facial recognition systems around Australia. Despite the growing use of this controversial technology, there is little in the way of specific regulations and guidelines to govern its use. Spying on shoppers We were reminded of this fact recently when consumer advocates at CHOICE revealed that major retailers in Australia are using the technology to identify people claimed to be thieves and troublemakers. There is no dispute about the goal of reducing harm and theft. But there is also little transparency about how this technology is being used.