Following a CHOICE investigation into the use of facial recognition technology by three major Australian retailers, The Good Guys have announced that the trial of facial recognition technology in their stores will be temporarily paused. 

The retailer will pause using the technology while the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) considers a complaint made by CHOICE against The Good Guys, Bunnings and Kmart for their use of facial recognition technology. 

"CHOICE welcomes the announcement that The Good Guys will pause the use of facial recognition technology in their stores while the Information Commissioner investigates their use of this technology. This is an important step in the right direction for The Good Guys, and a decision we know reflects community expectations," says CHOICE senior campaigns and policy advisor, Amy Pereira. 

"Meanwhile, Bunnings and Kmart are lagging behind when it comes to any kind of commitment to stop the unethical and unnecessary use of facial recognition technology in their stores. We urge Kmart and Bunnings to reflect on the announcement made yesterday by The Good Guys, and ask them to end their use of facial recognition technology in store." 

"Following our investigation, we have had an overwhelming response from the Australian community saying clearly they do not want this kind of technology used in retail stores. People who shop at The Good Guys will be pleased to know they're now able to do their shopping without this intrusive technology monitoring them."

Media contact: Katelyn Cameron, 0430 172 669, [email protected]