MeetUp: Facial Recognition Technology: Foodstuffs Case Study and the OPC Report

Description

Case Study in Focus: Foodstuffs FRT Trial

Mazen will discuss how they designed and governed the trial from a privacy-by-design and Māori data sovereignty lens, including:

• Why they considered FRT in the first place – and how safety and transparency were prioritised from the outset
• Practical safeguards (e.g. signage, opt-out zones, no biometrics stored or shared, etc.).
• Independent assessments and community feedback that informed the approach.
• Reflections on the New Zealand Privacy Commissioner’s inquiry, including:
  • the recommendations, and
  • key learnings from the process.

What are the key takeaways when designing and implementing FRT?

• Following the discussion of the insights on the Foodstuffs FRT, Dr Susan Bennett will discuss the Australian Privacy Commissioner’s decision on Bunnings’ use of facial recognition technology, key learnings and differences.
• We will highlight what organisations should consider before deploying biometric surveillance technologies and the key principles and guardrails.

Note:
This is an interactive discussion-based session. Participants are required to have their video cameras on to support active engagement.
The MeetUp will be conducted under Chatham House Rule and will not be recorded, to enable open discussion and the free exchange of views.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, 23 July 2025

Time: 12 noon – 1 pm  AEST

2pm -3pm New Zealand

Location: Teams Online

Cost:  Free for InfoGovANZ Members

Enquiries: infogovanz@infogovanz.com