Stores have long used video cameras to prevent shoplifting and monitor hot spots around the building. But now some are taking it far beyond the security realm, raising privacy concerns, as a recent New York Times article made clear:
Such clips, retailers say, can help them find solutions to problems in their stores — by installing seating and activity areas to mollify children, for instance, or by lowering shelves so merchandise is within easy reach.
Privacy advocates, though, are troubled by the array of video cameras, motion detectors and other sensors monitoring the nation’s shopping aisles.
Many stores and the consultants they hire are using the gear not to catch shoplifters but to analyze and to manipulate consumer behavior. And while taping shoppers is legal, critics say it is unethical to observe people as if they were lab rats. They are concerned that the practices will lead to an even greater invasion of privacy, particularly facial recognition technology, which is already in the early stages of deployment.
Food Lion's program will expand to two more stores by the end of the year, but it's unclear which locations are affected: The company has more than 1,200 locations and, when we asked, declined to specify which ones are participating. However, shoppers at the lab stores should know it when they see it - signs will be posted alerting them that video market research is taking place. Given that Food Lion is headquartered locally, I'm guessing that at least one of the stores has to be in our area - but there are a lot of Food Lions around here, and I haven't seen the telltale signs yet. If you have, though, do let us know...