In an era where surveillance is becoming increasingly pervasive, one Coles customer has taken a stand against the constant monitoring at self-serve checkouts.

His act of defiance? Taking back a bit of his privacy.

The customer, who wished to remain anonymous, shared an image on social media of his unique tactic.

'This is how I dealt with not wanting the camera on me at the checkout at Coles tonight,' he said, showing that he placed a special ticket over the camera at one self-checkout terminal.

A Coles shopper placed a sticker in the self-serve checkout’s camera to avoid being monitored. Image: Twitter

However, the reality is that customers are under surveillance from the moment they step foot in the store.

Overhead cameras monitor how products are scanned and what may have been left in your basket. If anything seems amiss, a staff member is alerted to investigate.

This customer's act may be more reflective of a broader frustration with the 'anti-theft' measures being used in supermarkets across the country.

'No one likes to be watched. Cameras impinge on our privacy,' UNSW Business School Professor Nitika Garg told a news source.

'We, as consumers, are unsure (of) how that data is being used. Not having an explanation or little reassurance is adding to the negative reaction.'

Coles and Woolworths have signs in-store to inform shoppers of the newly implemented technology, and have settled the 'strict privacy protocols' they adhere to with the videos.

They claim that the AI technology at self-serve checkouts doesn’t collect sensitive biometric data or keep personal information.

However, Digital Rights Watch has described the existing state of surveillance being used by Coles as 'invasive'.

Samantha Floreani, Program Lead at Digital Rights Watch, told a news source: ‘Between CCTV, overhead and face cameras at checkouts, sensors and beacons that track people through stores, AI-assisted checkouts, smart gates, licence plate recognition, data-hungry loyalty programs, and data-driven “crime intelligence” software, supermarkets are an environment in which just an incredible amount of data collection and surveillance is happening.’

Floreani argues that shoppers should be able to do 'basic life essentials' like shopping without being constantly monitored.

However, given the widespread nature of surveillance, consumers have little choice but to accept it. 'These approaches add up to the normalisation of surveillance,' Floreani said.

‘Plenty of shoppers may not even be aware that it's happening and, even if they are and are uncomfortable with it, may have no choice but to continue to shop there because of the lack of competition.’

Coles and Woolworths have also stated that self-serve checkouts’ cameras do not record, and they do not save the videos.

The exact purpose of the front-facing cameras remains undisclosed, but it’s likely they serve as a deterrent, causing potential thieves to think twice.

This incident comes as self-serve checkouts come under fire as a 'failed' experiment that does not benefit the most consumers.

Chris Andrews, Associate Professor and Chair of Sociology at Drew University in New Jersey, suggested that businesses view consumers tending to themselves at the checkout as free labour.

He advised those who disagree with the situation to 'vote with their pocketbooks'—and shop elsewhere.

Key Takeaways

• A Coles customer has shared an image of him covering the camera at a self-serve checkout in an act of defiance against being recorded.
• The customer's action highlights the broader frustration among Australians with the level of surveillance in supermarkets.
• Despite privacy concerns, Coles and Woolworths maintain that their AI technology at checkouts does not collect sensitive biometric data or store personal information.
• Some have criticised the increased use of self-service checkouts as a measure that benefits businesses but potentially treats customers as free labour.

What are your thoughts on this issue, members? Do you feel comfortable with the level of surveillance in supermarkets? Have you ever felt the urge to cover the camera at a self-serve checkout? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.

 

[bluetang]

In an era where surveillance is becoming increasingly pervasive, one Coles customer has taken a stand against the constant monitoring at self-serve checkouts.

His act of defiance? Taking back a bit of his privacy.

The customer, who wished to remain anonymous, shared an image on social media of his unique tactic.

'This is how I dealt with not wanting the camera on me at the checkout at Coles tonight,' he said, showing that he placed a special ticket over the camera at one self-checkout terminal.

View attachment 39398

A Coles shopper placed a sticker in the self-serve checkout’s camera to avoid being monitored. Image: Twitter

However, the reality is that customers are under surveillance from the moment they step foot in the store.

Overhead cameras monitor how products are scanned and what may have been left in your basket. If anything seems amiss, a staff member is alerted to investigate.

This customer's act may be more reflective of a broader frustration with the 'anti-theft' measures being used in supermarkets across the country.

'No one likes to be watched. Cameras impinge on our privacy,' UNSW Business School Professor Nitika Garg told a news source.

'We, as consumers, are unsure (of) how that data is being used. Not having an explanation or little reassurance is adding to the negative reaction.'

Coles and Woolworths have signs in-store to inform shoppers of the newly implemented technology, and have settled the 'strict privacy protocols' they adhere to with the videos.

They claim that the AI technology at self-serve checkouts doesn’t collect sensitive biometric data or keep personal information.

However, Digital Rights Watch has described the existing state of surveillance being used by Coles as 'invasive'.

Samantha Floreani, Program Lead at Digital Rights Watch, told a news source: ‘Between CCTV, overhead and face cameras at checkouts, sensors and beacons that track people through stores, AI-assisted checkouts, smart gates, licence plate recognition, data-hungry loyalty programs, and data-driven “crime intelligence” software, supermarkets are an environment in which just an incredible amount of data collection and surveillance is happening.’

Floreani argues that shoppers should be able to do 'basic life essentials' like shopping without being constantly monitored.

However, given the widespread nature of surveillance, consumers have little choice but to accept it. 'These approaches add up to the normalisation of surveillance,' Floreani said.

‘Plenty of shoppers may not even be aware that it's happening and, even if they are and are uncomfortable with it, may have no choice but to continue to shop there because of the lack of competition.’

Coles and Woolworths have also stated that self-serve checkouts’ cameras do not record, and they do not save the videos.

The exact purpose of the front-facing cameras remains undisclosed, but it’s likely they serve as a deterrent, causing potential thieves to think twice.

This incident comes as self-serve checkouts come under fire as a 'failed' experiment that does not benefit the most consumers.

Chris Andrews, Associate Professor and Chair of Sociology at Drew University in New Jersey, suggested that businesses view consumers tending to themselves at the checkout as free labour.

He advised those who disagree with the situation to 'vote with their pocketbooks'—and shop elsewhere.

Key Takeaways

• A Coles customer has shared an image of him covering the camera at a self-serve checkout in an act of defiance against being recorded.
• The customer's action highlights the broader frustration among Australians with the level of surveillance in supermarkets.
• Despite privacy concerns, Coles and Woolworths maintain that their AI technology at checkouts does not collect sensitive biometric data or store personal information.
• Some have criticised the increased use of self-service checkouts as a measure that benefits businesses but potentially treats customers as free labour.

What are your thoughts on this issue, members? Do you feel comfortable with the level of surveillance in supermarkets? Have you ever felt the urge to cover the camera at a self-serve checkout? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.

Don't use the self serve checkouts. It will force the super markets to open the manned ones hat sit idle.

 

[Ronloby]

It doesn't matter what you say or do, these money-hungry supermarkets will do whatever they want regardless of the complaints they receive. It is the same with most companies, the BIG BOTTOM LINE is what they are after.

 

[elaine41]

If I am "forced" to use self-serve checkouts (as happened during Covid) then I demand that the person supervising these checkouts come & put my shopping through. I am not paid to do this nor am I trained in this skill. I trained for many years to do the job I did before I retired & don't intend to go backwards & do what the supermarkets consider to be an unskilled job.

 

[Mrtnst]

I like the cheekiness of it, but I would advise against it.

Other cameras would have recorded the customers doing it and, if they had to spend time cleaning glue off the machine you could find yourself being sued for damages.

 

[marni]

It wo

In an era where surveillance is becoming increasingly pervasive, one Coles customer has taken a stand against the constant monitoring at self-serve checkouts.

His act of defiance? Taking back a bit of his privacy.

The customer, who wished to remain anonymous, shared an image on social media of his unique tactic.

'This is how I dealt with not wanting the camera on me at the checkout at Coles tonight,' he said, showing that he placed a special ticket over the camera at one self-checkout terminal.

View attachment 39398

A Coles shopper placed a sticker in the self-serve checkout’s camera to avoid being monitored. Image: Twitter

However, the reality is that customers are under surveillance from the moment they step foot in the store.

Overhead cameras monitor how products are scanned and what may have been left in your basket. If anything seems amiss, a staff member is alerted to investigate.

This customer's act may be more reflective of a broader frustration with the 'anti-theft' measures being used in supermarkets across the country.

'No one likes to be watched. Cameras impinge on our privacy,' UNSW Business School Professor Nitika Garg told a news source.

'We, as consumers, are unsure (of) how that data is being used. Not having an explanation or little reassurance is adding to the negative reaction.'

Coles and Woolworths have signs in-store to inform shoppers of the newly implemented technology, and have settled the 'strict privacy protocols' they adhere to with the videos.

They claim that the AI technology at self-serve checkouts doesn’t collect sensitive biometric data or keep personal information.

However, Digital Rights Watch has described the existing state of surveillance being used by Coles as 'invasive'.

Samantha Floreani, Program Lead at Digital Rights Watch, told a news source: ‘Between CCTV, overhead and face cameras at checkouts, sensors and beacons that track people through stores, AI-assisted checkouts, smart gates, licence plate recognition, data-hungry loyalty programs, and data-driven “crime intelligence” software, supermarkets are an environment in which just an incredible amount of data collection and surveillance is happening.’

Floreani argues that shoppers should be able to do 'basic life essentials' like shopping without being constantly monitored.

However, given the widespread nature of surveillance, consumers have little choice but to accept it. 'These approaches add up to the normalisation of surveillance,' Floreani said.

‘Plenty of shoppers may not even be aware that it's happening and, even if they are and are uncomfortable with it, may have no choice but to continue to shop there because of the lack of competition.’

Coles and Woolworths have also stated that self-serve checkouts’ cameras do not record, and they do not save the videos.

The exact purpose of the front-facing cameras remains undisclosed, but it’s likely they serve as a deterrent, causing potential thieves to think twice.

This incident comes as self-serve checkouts come under fire as a 'failed' experiment that does not benefit the most consumers.

Chris Andrews, Associate Professor and Chair of Sociology at Drew University in New Jersey, suggested that businesses view consumers tending to themselves at the checkout as free labour.

He advised those who disagree with the situation to 'vote with their pocketbooks'—and shop elsewhere.

Key Takeaways

• A Coles customer has shared an image of him covering the camera at a self-serve checkout in an act of defiance against being recorded.
• The customer's action highlights the broader frustration among Australians with the level of surveillance in supermarkets.
• Despite privacy concerns, Coles and Woolworths maintain that their AI technology at checkouts does not collect sensitive biometric data or store personal information.
• Some have criticised the increased use of self-service checkouts as a measure that benefits businesses but potentially treats customers as free labour.

What are your thoughts on this issue, members? Do you feel comfortable with the level of surveillance in supermarkets? Have you ever felt the urge to cover the camera at a self-serve checkout? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.

it would seem to me he is one of many who would put avocados through as cheaper product. Surely the
Person checking would then concentrate on this check out.

 

[Glo72]

I just ignore them. They are there as a deterrent for thieves. Same as speed cameras and the cameras that catch idiots using their mobile phones while driving.

 

[activist.bw]

Just how many people are sitting in the back room watching video screens WHO could be actually Maning a checkout. How many self serve checkout can a single person watch In the back room at a time? What do they do when there are few customers in the store? Even more interesting is just how do they select which customer to watch Closely?

 

[Catherines]

Just how many people are sitting in the back room watching video screens WHO could be actually Maning a checkout. How many self serve checkout can a single person watch In the back room at a time? What do they do when there are few customers in the store? Even more interesting is just how do they select which customer to watch Closely?

Probably their choice of person to watch, and follow through the store, is one who has been observed stealing on a previous occasion. If you are honest and have never stolen anything in your life then what’s the objection to camera watching throughout the store and at self-serve checkouts.

We need to keep up with technology or get left behind. How many cameras are watching us in malls, on the road via speeding, using our phones in the car etc?.? UNKNOWN. How far has our life come since the 60s when we didn’t have technology of this kind? We didn’t whinge because we couldn’t have our 5 minutes of fame and be on Facebook, TikTok, X, have ATMs, online banking etc. We just went along with the various changes then and just have to keep up now or stay in our own cocoons and get left behind big time.

 

[Annna]

Just how many people are sitting in the back room watching video screens WHO could be actually Maning a checkout. How many self serve checkout can a single person watch In the back room at a time? What do they do when there are few customers in the store? Even more interesting is just how do they select which customer to watch Closely?

Wow, you mean there's staff out the back watching?

That's so Big Brother!

 

[Catherines]

I like the cheekiness of it, but I would advise against it.

Other cameras would have recorded the customers doing it and, if they had to spend time cleaning glue off the machine you could find yourself being sued for damages.

Firstly, no matter how small the act of putting the sticker over the camera might seem, it is an act of vandalism, an act that can be construed to be wanting to hide the person's image, and an act of stealing by possibly obscuring what one is doing. There could be consequences for an act like this so it should not be something to encourage.

 

[Timoverett2023]

In an era where surveillance is becoming increasingly pervasive, one Coles customer has taken a stand against the constant monitoring at self-serve checkouts.

His act of defiance? Taking back a bit of his privacy.

The customer, who wished to remain anonymous, shared an image on social media of his unique tactic.

'This is how I dealt with not wanting the camera on me at the checkout at Coles tonight,' he said, showing that he placed a special ticket over the camera at one self-checkout terminal.

View attachment 39398

A Coles shopper placed a sticker in the self-serve checkout’s camera to avoid being monitored. Image: Twitter

However, the reality is that customers are under surveillance from the moment they step foot in the store.

Overhead cameras monitor how products are scanned and what may have been left in your basket. If anything seems amiss, a staff member is alerted to investigate.

This customer's act may be more reflective of a broader frustration with the 'anti-theft' measures being used in supermarkets across the country.

'No one likes to be watched. Cameras impinge on our privacy,' UNSW Business School Professor Nitika Garg told a news source.

'We, as consumers, are unsure (of) how that data is being used. Not having an explanation or little reassurance is adding to the negative reaction.'

Coles and Woolworths have signs in-store to inform shoppers of the newly implemented technology, and have settled the 'strict privacy protocols' they adhere to with the videos.

They claim that the AI technology at self-serve checkouts doesn’t collect sensitive biometric data or keep personal information.

However, Digital Rights Watch has described the existing state of surveillance being used by Coles as 'invasive'.

Samantha Floreani, Program Lead at Digital Rights Watch, told a news source: ‘Between CCTV, overhead and face cameras at checkouts, sensors and beacons that track people through stores, AI-assisted checkouts, smart gates, licence plate recognition, data-hungry loyalty programs, and data-driven “crime intelligence” software, supermarkets are an environment in which just an incredible amount of data collection and surveillance is happening.’

Floreani argues that shoppers should be able to do 'basic life essentials' like shopping without being constantly monitored.

However, given the widespread nature of surveillance, consumers have little choice but to accept it. 'These approaches add up to the normalisation of surveillance,' Floreani said.

‘Plenty of shoppers may not even be aware that it's happening and, even if they are and are uncomfortable with it, may have no choice but to continue to shop there because of the lack of competition.’

Coles and Woolworths have also stated that self-serve checkouts’ cameras do not record, and they do not save the videos.

The exact purpose of the front-facing cameras remains undisclosed, but it’s likely they serve as a deterrent, causing potential thieves to think twice.

This incident comes as self-serve checkouts come under fire as a 'failed' experiment that does not benefit the most consumers.

Chris Andrews, Associate Professor and Chair of Sociology at Drew University in New Jersey, suggested that businesses view consumers tending to themselves at the checkout as free labour.

He advised those who disagree with the situation to 'vote with their pocketbooks'—and shop elsewhere.

Key Takeaways

• A Coles customer has shared an image of him covering the camera at a self-serve checkout in an act of defiance against being recorded.
• The customer's action highlights the broader frustration among Australians with the level of surveillance in supermarkets.
• Despite privacy concerns, Coles and Woolworths maintain that their AI technology at checkouts does not collect sensitive biometric data or store personal information.
• Some have criticised the increased use of self-service checkouts as a measure that benefits businesses but potentially treats customers as free labour.

What are your thoughts on this issue, members? Do you feel comfortable with the level of surveillance in supermarkets? Have you ever felt the urge to cover the camera at a self-serve checkout? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.

My general aim in life is to be honest and open, so if I have little or nothing to hide, I don't mind that shifty people and brazen crims have a hard time. Covering a lens is sure to dob yourself in as suspicious.
I anticipate that we'll reach the stage where to do crime is to dob yourself in. Hopefully that results in fewer crimes rather than too few prison cells.
Of course if any surveiled data is abused or released irresponsibly, it should have serious consequences for those responsible.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Wow, you mean there's staff out the back watching?

That's so Big Brother!

There is actually staff spending their entire shift checking various checkout and aisles. In my local Woolies, I was taken into one of their "backrooms" for a totally unrelated reason by store security and police. There were two males sitting in front of screens monitoring the CCTV, looking for instances of alleged shoplifting. Security were present with them, a potential culprit pointed out in aisle X and security would intervene.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Firstly, no matter how small the act of putting the sticker over the camera might seem, it is an act of vandalism, an act that can be construed to be wanting to hide the person's image, and an act of stealing by possibly obscuring what one is doing. There could be consequences for an act like this so it should not be something to encourage.

Do what I do. Stand to the side so you image isn't being taken and you are still able to scan and pay for your shopping. Problem solved.

As far as an act of vandalism goes, my argument would be that I DID NOT give the store my express consent for my image to be taken. It is a violation of privacy and basic human rights.

 

[Babbie]

If I am "forced" to use self-serve checkouts (as happened during Covid) then I demand that the person supervising these checkouts come & put my shopping through. I am not paid to do this nor am I trained in this skill. I trained for many years to do the job I did before I retired & don't intend to go backwards & do what the supermarkets consider to be an unskilled job.

No one forces you to do anything. If you don't like self serve go to the old style check out or shop somewhere else and stop whinging.

 

[Knell]

Almost every house in my area has security cameras, whether it is the doorbell or mounted outside somewhere. Believe me, if someone farts out on the street - many people know about it!!!! LOL

 

[Babbie]

Almost every house in my area has security cameras, whether it is the doorbell or mounted outside somewhere. Believe me, if someone farts out on the street - many people know about it!!!! LOL

Nearly everyone in my street also has a camera mounted somewhere on their properties. At times it has helped police.

 

[Knell]

Nearly everyone in my street also has a camera mounted somewhere on their properties. At times it has helped police.

Many times, yes indeed.

 

[David567]

The public needs cameras to monitor the criminal activity of the stores we shop in.

 

[Colette 3799]

In the article it says plenty of people may not be aware it’s happening. Maybe not, or like me, they just don’t care about the cameras. It’s not a big deal for me tbh