New research shows Australians strongly support the targeted use of facial recognition technology (FRT) to protect retail workers and customers from serious and repeat criminal behaviour.

Independent polling commissioned by the Australian Retail Council (ARC) and conducted by RedBridge finds that a clear majority support FRT where there are serious risks to safety

The RedBridge Retail Crime Prevention Survey finds:

• 81% of respondents support the use of FRT to identify people who have previously threatened retail staff with a weapon.
• 80% of those surveyed support its use to identify people who have physically assaulted staff or customers.
• Around three in four respondents (75%) support its use to identify repeat serious offenders, including those responsible for significant theft or ongoing disturbances
• 72% of surveyed Australians supported the use of FRT to identify people who had been subject to intervention orders.

The research also shows Australians believe the technology delivers real safety outcomes. 86% of respondents say facial recognition would be effective in helping police identify and prosecute offenders, while 76% believe it would help retail workers feel safer at work.

ARC CEO Chris Rodwell says the findings reflect growing public concern about escalating retail crime and violence.

“Across Australia, retail staff are facing unprecedented levels of violence and intimidation simply for doing their job. Workers are increasingly facing threats with weapons, physical assaults and organised repeat offending,” he says.

“This research sends a very clear message: Australians want retail workers protected from serious and repeat offenders, and they support the careful use of technology to achieve that.”

Mr Rodwell says strong governance, transparency and privacy protections must sit alongside the deployment of any technology.

“The public expects high standards and robust privacy safeguards. This is about protecting everyday workers and shoppers from repeat offenders, not tracking law-abiding customers. Retailers accept that responsibility and are seeking nationally consistent frameworks that protect both privacy and the community,” he says.

“The question is no longer whether facial recognition has a role in retail safety, it’s how we put clear, consistent rules around its use so workers are protected and our shops are free from violence and repeat theft.”