Supermarket checkouts are becoming increasingly technologically sophisticated, as retailers prioritise self-serve units with AI-powered shoplifting deterrents. But while Coles and Woolworths say the techniques do not use facial recognition or collect biometric data, privacy advocates are still watching the situation closely.

Most supermarkets are filled with CCTV cameras, and have been for decades. A Woolworths spokesperson said the average number per store is 62. Footage filmed from these is stored in Australia for at least 30 days, and is accessed by store members and investigation teams (or passed to police) as required, the spokesperson said.

Overhead cameras at Woolworth checkouts keep tabs on your items, but not your face.

But while shoppers largely accept the presence of CCTV, the introduction of new cameras and sensors at self-serve checkouts has been met with a lot of resistance.

Coles and Woolworths have installed self-serve checkouts at a large number of their stores. They have barcode scanners, and digital scales within the bagging area that can detect when you add or remove items. They often have cameras and show you an image of your own face. Some have overhead cameras that can detect your groceries as you scan them, or your trolley.

The terminals are designed to make checking out quick and efficient, but leave the supermarkets open to an increased risk of theft, and so will also call an attendant if something doesn’t match up. The latest technology, which is only being trialled in a small number of stores, links the self-serve terminals to a smart gate or to an individual trolley’s wheels, and will prevent customers leaving if they haven’t paid.

Yet while all this technology may put customers in mind of a Minority Report style nightmare where their face and actions are constantly being collected and processed, spokespeople for Coles and Woolworths said that was not the case. There was no facial recognition in any cameras in their stores, no collection of biometric information, and no technological method of tracking customers around the store, they said.

The Woolworths spokesperson also said there was no matching of footage to loyalty cards or credit card numbers.

“The purpose of the technologies is to streamline our customer’s experiences, assist our in-store team members with checkouts, keep our in-store team members safe and inform investigations,” they said.