Asda trials facial recognition technology amid surge in retail crime

In the UK, Asda has initiated a live facial recognition trial to address rising incidents of retail crime. The trial, lasting two months, was launched in early April 2025 at selected Asda stores in Ashton, Chadderton, Harpurhey, Eastlands, and Trafford Park, all locations within Greater Manchester. This move comes in response to alarming statistics indicating that retail crime has tripled since 2020, highlighting a significant spike in violence against shopworkers, with reports of 1,400 staff assaults last year, averaging four per day. The British Retail Consortium estimates over 2,000 incidents of violence and abuse occur against shopworkers daily, underscoring a growing security crisis in retail environments. The trial integrates facial recognition technology with Asda's CCTV systems, aiming to identify known offenders in real time. When a match is detected, a notification is promptly sent to head office security, enabling timely intervention by store personnel or authorities if necessary. Asda's chief commercial officer, Liz Evans, emphasized that the implementation of this technology aims to enhance safety for both customers and employees amidst a worrying increase in shoplifting and aggression against staff members. Despite the intent to improve store security, the deployment of facial recognition technology has sparked privacy concerns among civil liberties organizations. Critics argue that its use resembles mass surveillance tactics seen in authoritarian regimes and raises the potential for racial profiling. Human rights advocates have pointed out that studies suggest a disproportionate error rate in the technology's performance, particularly affecting individuals from minority ethnic backgrounds. As part of the initiative, Asda has clarified that only mathematical data related to confirmed offenders will be stored, limited to the trial period. The company's management has committed to reviewing the effectiveness of the pilot before considering a broader national rollout. Responses from civil society and retail workers will likely shape the future of facial recognition technology in shops as retailers seek solutions to rampant crime and violence.