12 July 2022
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has opened investigations into the personal information handling practices of Bunnings Group Limited and Kmart Australia Limited, focusing on the companies’ use of facial recognition technology.
The investigations follow a report from consumer advocacy group CHOICE about the retailers’ use of facial recognition technology.
The OAIC has commenced preliminary inquiries with Good Guys Discount Warehouses (Australia) Pty Ltd following public reports that the company has paused its use of facial recognition technology.
In line with the OAIC’s Privacy regulatory action policy, no further comment will be made while the investigations are ongoing.
About Commissioner-initiated investigations
The Commissioner is authorised to investigate an act or practice that may be an interference with the privacy of an individual or a breach of the Australian Privacy Principles under section 40(2) of the Privacy Act 1988.
