US retailer Walmart has confirmed it has installed AI-backed computer vision in more than 1,000 stores to prevent thefts. The company said the technology was being used by its store associates and that they were able to identify thieves using facial recognition technology. A Walmart spokeswoman said shrinkage rates had fallen in stores where the Missed Scan Detection programme was in use but critics have raised concerns about privacy and data use.
US retailer Walmart has confirmed it has installed AI-backed computer vision in more than 1,000 stores to prevent thefts. The technology, supplied by several firms, including Everseen, alerts staff if an item is not properly scanned at a till, including self-service check-outs. A Walmart spokeswoman said shrinkage rates had fallen in stores where the Missed Scan Detection programme was in use but critics have raised concerns about privacy and data use.