The Brief
- Some Grocery Outlet stores in the Bay Area are using SAFR Guard facial recognition software to identify people on retailer watchlists and deter shoplifting.
- Shoppers expressed mixed reactions, while experts say it could take about a year of data to determine whether the technology meaningfully reduces retail theft.
PLEASANT HILL, Calif. – A small sign posted near the entrance of some Grocery Outlet stores is drawing attention for what it says about the retailer’s approach to combating shoplifting.
The notice reads: “Face matching software being used to prevent shoplifting.”
Grocery Outlet facial recognition
What we know:
Grocery Outlet, which is headquartered in Emeryville, is reportedly using facial recognition technology from SAFR at some locations in the East Bay and San Francisco.…