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Big Brother Watch submits complaint against shop's use of ‘Orwellian’ facial recognition software
A camera being used during trials at Scotland Yard for the new facial recognition system

PRIVACY rights group Big Brother Watch submitted a complaint against Southern Co-operative’s “Orwellian and unlawful” use of facial recognition cameras today.

According to the complaint made to the Information Commissioner’s Office, the surveillance system “uses novel technology and highly invasive processing of personal data, creating a biometric profile of every visitor to stores where its cameras are installed.”

The group said that the independent grocery chain had installed the surveillance technology in 35 stores across Portsmouth, Bournemouth, Bristol, Brighton and Hove, Chichester, Southampton and London.

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