The survey was commissioned by the Australian Retail Council and identified strong public support for the technology. Most respondents supported its use to identify individuals who have previously threatened retail staff with weapons.
A majority also endorsed the use of facial recognition technology to identify individuals who have physically assaulted staff or customers, with around 75 per cent of respondents approving of its use to identify repeat offenders.
Australian Retail Council CEO Chris Rodwell highlighted increasing public concern about retail crime, with staff across Australia facing rising violence and intimidation on the job.
“Workers are increasingly targeted with weapons, physical assaults, and organised repeat offending,” he said.
“This research sends a clear message: Australians want retail workers protected from serious and repeat offenders and support careful use of technology to achieve that.”
Rodwell said that facial recognition technology must be implemented responsibly, with strong governance, transparency, and privacy protections.
“This is about protecting workers and shoppers from repeat offenders, not tracking law-abiding customers,” he continued.
“Retailers accept that responsibility and are seeking nationally consistent frameworks that protect privacy and the community.
“The question is no longer whether facial recognition has a role in retail safety, but how to set clear, consistent rules so workers are protected and shops are free from violence and repeat theft.”
Most respondents agreed that facial recognition technology could help police identify and prosecute offenders. A significant majority said the technology would make retail workers feel safer.
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