Facewatch launches facial recognition service for UK pharmacies

Retail-focused live facial recognition (LFR) service provider Facewatch has announced plans to expand its technology into the UK pharmacy sector. In a press release, the company reveals that its new PharmacyProtect was developed in collaboration with expertise from within the pharmacy industry to address rising concerns about medicine-related theft, repeat offending, and threats against frontline staff, particularly given that current police and NHS responses are often deemed inadequate. 

Adopted by over 125 retailers across thousands of UK stores, Facewatch operates as a data controller under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), sending real-time alerts to staff when an individual linked to criminal behaviour enters a protected premises. The company claims its LFR technology has helped reduce repeat offending by up to 70%.

The development marks a significant expansion of LFR technology into highly specialised and sensitive physical retail environments where commercial operators deliver frontline healthcare, reflecting broader corporate efforts to combat escalating violence and theft against retail workers.

In a statement responding to the news, Jack Coulson, Head of Advocacy at Big Brother Watch, said: "We’re appalled that Facewatch is seeking to plague UK healthcare with its intimidating, intrusive and error-prone surveillance cameras. Any pharmacy using live facial recognition would be forcing members of the public to trade their privacy for healthcare.

"Healthcare is among the most sensitive and private aspects of our lives. These Orwellian surveillance cameras at pharmacy doors would deter many people from seeking important, potentially life saving healthcare.

"We urge pharmacy operators, healthcare providers, policymakers and regulators to reject the use of live facial recognition in pharmacies and to protect patients’ privacy and dignity."

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