Asda has revealed why they use self-checkout cameras - and it is not to collect customer data.
The supermarket confirmed the real use of the cameras after it was falsely claimed the technology collected customer data for targeted ads.
The accusation was seen by thousands online after a customer took to social media to allege that the self-service checkout technology is 'pretty much facial recognition'.
In the viral video, the shopper claims they've "never given anybody permission to take my data in that way" and wrongly states that Asda does not have permission to use the check-out cameras 'under GDPR'.
Asda confirmed to fact-checking charity Full Fact the claim is false and the cameras do not take footage that is recorded or stored. Instead, their purpose is to act as a deterrent to thieves.
A shop rep explained: "We have no technology in our stores that could take an image, store it, and then compare it to other images to spot when a 'recognised' face comes into our store. The cameras use AI to focus on faces—you might see a green box around the face—but again this footage isn't recorded or stored."
'Traditional CCTV' which does record footage is used elsewhere in stores, however, the spokesperson added, and the use is outlined on Asda's website.
The supermarket's Privacy Centre states: "CCTV footage is held for approximately 14 to 30 days."
It adds: "ANPR Footage is held for approximately 120 days depending on the specific hardware in place for that site. Where sensors or similar technologies process an image which may contain identifiable information, this is held for no longer than is necessary to remove any identifying information – usually only a few seconds
"In some cases, information from CCTV or ANPR may be kept for longer to support an investigation of a suspected crime or accident or related legal or regulatory action – in which case it may be held for up to 6 years beyond the date of the investigation. Where images are required for specific training, awareness or operational efficiency purposes these may be retained for up to 3 years however additional steps are always taken to protect the privacy of an individual appearing in the footage. Such copies will be securely destroyed when they are no longer needed."
Do you have a story to share? Email us at yourmirror@mirror.co.uk
