(TNS) — Grocery Outlet, the popular Emeryville -based chain of “bargain markets,” has quietly begun rolling out facial recognition software across its Bay Area stores, in what the company’s signage says is an effort to thwart shoplifting.
While it’s unclear how many locations have installed the software to date, front-door stickers announcing the technology were seen at locations in Pleasant Hill and Concord on Monday, as well as at least two stores in San Francisco, according to Mission Local, which was the first to report on Grocery Outlet’s use of facial recognition Bay Area stores.
“Face Matching software is being used to prevent shoplifting,” the signage reads at both East Bay locations, directing consumers to a QR code where they can read about the privacy policy for SAFR Guard, the company operating the software…