Facial recognition cameras in supermarkets ‘targeted at poor areas’ in England

Data shows ‘that AI supermarket surveillance is being directed at poorer communities’. Photograph: PA Images/Alamy

Facial recognition cameras installed by a supermarket chain to tackle shoplifting disproportionately target people in poorer areas, according to a privacy rights group.

Southern Co-op, which uses Facewatch live recognition cameras in 34 branches, typically has shops in richer-than-average neighbourhoods. But just five of the stores in which it uses Facewatch are in the richest third of neighbourhoods in England, while 14 are in the poorest.