Borders Nixes Face Recognition

jeffy124 writes "Due to recent criticisms surrounding their implementation of face-recognition technology to watch known shoplifters, Borders Bookstores is suspending the approach. This doesn't mean it's gone for good, it may return in the future. They want to resolve the issues brought up by privacy and human-rights activists."

Comments

Trial balloon management

[sllort]

Another example of "Trial balloon management".

The formula:
- We'll announce that we're doing something, but only introduce it on a low cost basis into a small target market.
- We'll watch the reaction.
- If it's bad, we'll denounce ourselves and retract our low cost trial balloon.
- If it works, we'll exploit the hell out of it.

This formula has been applied with both results to:
- SmartTags
- Windows Activation
- Borders Face Recognition
- Skylarov
- Implementation as a "Trade Secret" (ms & kerberos)
... and on & on.

Other examples?

Re:privacy?

[NMerriam]

What does privacy have to do with government? Is it not possible to have privacy from a corporation?

Re:privacy?

[ClipDude]

What does this have to do with privacy? Borders is a corporation, and its property is private property.

Just because a corporation is involved, and it involves that corporation's private property, doesn't mean there aren't privacy issues involved. Let's pretend my school installed a secret camera in my dorm's bathroom and videotaped me showering. Of let's say they put in my room and recorded my conversation with my girlfriend. Either of these, would they to occur, would involve a (not-for-profit) corporation doing something on its private property. It's not my right to go to school there (as the admissions department reminds unlucky applicants every year). But if my school did either of these things, I would be quite upset, and would consider them to be an invasion of my privacy.

Let's think of it another way: Do you shop at Safeway (or any of their subsidiary stores)? Do you use their Club Card? Now, what might have you purchased at Safeway that you wouldn't want the world to know? Condoms? Birth control pills from their pharmacy? Anti-depressant medication from their pharmacy? Hemorrhoid treatments? If you have purchased any of these things, and use a Club Card, it's probably in their database. A private corporation chronicling what occurs on their property. But you would be upset if they put that on their web site, wouldn't you?