Facewatch stories
Retailers are under growing pressure as live facial recognition flags prolific shoplifters, with June setting a record for alerts.
Retailers will get instant police warnings within four seconds when serious offenders are spotted, as theft and violence remain high.
Independent auditors found the retailer facial recognition system met the first global AI governance standard, bolstering scrutiny around its use in stores.
Rising theft and abuse in pharmacies is pushing operators towards facial recognition tools that warn staff when known offenders enter stores.
The hire comes as live facial recognition in British shops faces mounting scrutiny over privacy, accountability and safeguards for shoppers and staff.
Facewatch says UK retailers' facial recognition alerts more than doubled to over 500,000 in 2025 amid rising theft and abuse in stores.
