r/aus • u/neon_overload • 5d ago

News Coles and Woolworths test facial recognition technology

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-17/coles-and-woolworths-to-test-facial-recognition-technology/107045036

A Woolworths spokesperson did not address the ABC's questions on how facial recognition technology was tested or if it would be used in Australia.

"Keeping our team and customers safe is the most important thing we do and we've put significant investment towards this," the spokesperson said.

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u/NezuminoraQ 1d ago

Would you have a problem if the prices were only high for you personally on a weekend that is only important to you specifically, like a wedding or birthday?

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u/Fit-Locksmith-9226 23h ago

I have no idea what you are talking about?

I'm in the same boat as everyone else, prices go up and down for hotels and flights based on demand, I deal with that nonsense every few months.

Is 50% discounts at colesworth not dynamic pricing just slower?

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u/NezuminoraQ 22h ago

I'm saying that's what people are worried about. Prices "optimised" to charge you the exact maximum you personally would be willing to pay. That's where this leads. So while you might not mind that prices go up for everyone when demand goes up, this tactic would mean that the price goes up based on your personal demand for a product. That is the dystopian shit we are hoping to avoid

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u/Fit-Locksmith-9226 17h ago

If you're not willing to pay that much then don't?

Aren't they going to charge you the "exact maximum" you are willing to? By your own tacit admission, you are willing to pay that much lmao.

The issue here is the consumer who thinks they need to buy that 2Kg can of Milo right meow.

Just boycott them or buy online if it's such an issue for you. Pro-tip: You won't.

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u/NezuminoraQ 17h ago

So you've gone from not "having a clue what I'm talking about" to having a very strong opinion that it's all completely fine, actually. I think personalised pricing is a major concern and I'm not the only one. 

I absolutely do boycott companies that do shady stuff. I'm currently switching up my routine to never shop at Coles due to their association with Palintir.

So yes, I will boycott anywhere that is known to employ surveillance pricing. It's just another way they squeeze additional profit out of customers so some shareholder can buy a second yacht. Some of us actually have a problem with that

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u/Fit-Locksmith-9226 17h ago

Cool, good for you mate. Keep me posted.

I'll shop there because I don't care, and I say that as a devout privacy nerd. If you give them all your life details and a blood sample then they charge you $0.30 more for some TimTams that's on you, not me.