This is the new MLex platform. Existing customers should continue to use the existing MLex platform until migrated.
For any queries, please contact Customer Services or your Account Manager. Dismiss

Use of facial recognition to stop shoplifting welcomed by UK privacy watchdog

By Patricia Figueiredo ( April 8, 2025, 12:11 GMT | Insight) -- Retailers using facial-recognition technology to detect and prevent crime such as shoplifting is “in the public interest and a benefit to society,” the UK privacy watchdog told MLex today. The Information Commissioner’s Office cautioned, though, that to be lawful, the use of such tools must be balanced against people’s privacy rights and safety checks must be in place. Supermarket Asda last week became the latest retailer to try the technology to catch shoplifters.Retailers using facial-recognition technology to detect and prevent crime such as shoplifting is “in the public interest and a benefit to society,” the UK privacy watchdog told MLex today, while cautioning that their use must be balanced against people’s privacy rights....

Prepare for tomorrow’s regulatory change, today

MLex identifies risk to business wherever it emerges, with specialist reporters across the globe providing exclusive news and deep-dive analysis on the proposals, probes, enforcement actions and rulings that matter to your organization and clients, now and in the longer term.


Know what others in the room don’t, with features including:

  • Daily newsletters for Antitrust, M&A, Trade, Data Privacy & Security, Technology, AI and more
  • Custom alerts on specific filters including geographies, industries, topics and companies to suit your practice needs
  • Predictive analysis from expert journalists across North America, the UK and Europe, Latin America and Asia-Pacific
  • Curated case files bringing together news, analysis and source documents in a single timeline

Experience MLex today with a 14-day free trial.

Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber? Click here to login