Security expert shares different angles behind bad self-serve checkout photos
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Have you ever glanced at a self-serve checkout screen and wondered if the camera was playing on your appearance?
You're not alone—many Australians have expressed their dismay at the 'unflattering' images captured by the security cameras at self-service checkouts in supermarkets.
Before you avoid self-serve checkouts altogether, let's unpack the truth behind these cameras.
Scott Taylor, a leading retail security expert and the Managing Director of Praesidium Risk and Resilience, has shed light on the situation.
'While these cameras may appear unflattering, their primary purpose isn't to make shoppers look bad,' he shared after questions about the unflattering camera shots spread online.
'They're positioned at different angles for optimal coverage and to deal with lighting challenges.'
He also mentioned that some facial recognition cameras 'must be placed at specific angles' to function correctly.
'While facial recognition cameras are currently under review, many retailers may be future-proofing their setups to account for their possible use,' he concluded.
Despite Taylor's reassurance, the self-serve camera's unflattering footage continues to be a hot topic on social media.
Shoppers shared their discomfort and self-consciousness upon seeing their distorted reflections on the checkout screens.
'Whenever I see myself in the self-serve cameras, I'm mortified by the person staring back at me,' one commented.
One shopper asked, 'Are these cameras unflattering for everyone else, or am I just genetically cursed?'
Some shoppers admitted to covering the camera with a sticker or receipt.
While this might give shoppers a momentary reprieve, it could be seen as suspicious behaviour.
Taylor emphasised that while cameras are a 'powerful deterrent' against theft—which rose by 20 per cent and cost Australian retailers around $9 billion a year—these are not the sole solution.
He advocates for well-trained staff who can proactively engage with customers as one of the best deterrents against shoplifting.
While we may not be able to escape the watchful eyes of self-serve checkout cameras, understanding their purpose and how to mitigate their unflattering effects can make our shopping experience a little more manageable.
The cameras are there for security, not to judge your looks.
Have you had any funny or embarrassing moments caught on self-serve checkout cameras? Do you have any tips or tricks for dealing with the cameras? Share your stories and advice in the comments below.
You're not alone—many Australians have expressed their dismay at the 'unflattering' images captured by the security cameras at self-service checkouts in supermarkets.
Before you avoid self-serve checkouts altogether, let's unpack the truth behind these cameras.
Scott Taylor, a leading retail security expert and the Managing Director of Praesidium Risk and Resilience, has shed light on the situation.
'While these cameras may appear unflattering, their primary purpose isn't to make shoppers look bad,' he shared after questions about the unflattering camera shots spread online.
'They're positioned at different angles for optimal coverage and to deal with lighting challenges.'
Self-serve checkouts employ cameras to keep track of shopper behaviour. Image Credit: Shutterstock/Deman
He also mentioned that some facial recognition cameras 'must be placed at specific angles' to function correctly.
'While facial recognition cameras are currently under review, many retailers may be future-proofing their setups to account for their possible use,' he concluded.
Despite Taylor's reassurance, the self-serve camera's unflattering footage continues to be a hot topic on social media.
Shoppers shared their discomfort and self-consciousness upon seeing their distorted reflections on the checkout screens.
'Whenever I see myself in the self-serve cameras, I'm mortified by the person staring back at me,' one commented.
One shopper asked, 'Are these cameras unflattering for everyone else, or am I just genetically cursed?'
Some shoppers admitted to covering the camera with a sticker or receipt.
While this might give shoppers a momentary reprieve, it could be seen as suspicious behaviour.
Taylor emphasised that while cameras are a 'powerful deterrent' against theft—which rose by 20 per cent and cost Australian retailers around $9 billion a year—these are not the sole solution.
He advocates for well-trained staff who can proactively engage with customers as one of the best deterrents against shoplifting.
While we may not be able to escape the watchful eyes of self-serve checkout cameras, understanding their purpose and how to mitigate their unflattering effects can make our shopping experience a little more manageable.
The cameras are there for security, not to judge your looks.
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