Store mannequins 'spy' on you while you shop
...Smile, you're on camera. This is a phrase that is becoming the norm in today's tech-centric society. From general surveillance to collecting data through facial recognition, cameras are everywhere....
Almax is also reportedly considering giving mannequins "ears" too; meaning they could "hear" and pick up words consumers say while looking at merchandise. Also under consideration is adding small screens to the mannequins that would personalize shoppers' experiences by presenting them with custom-designed information....
"The fact that the cameras are hidden suggests that shops are fully aware that many customers would object to this kind of monitoring," said Emma Carr, deputy director of civil liberties campaign group Big Brother Watch, according to MailOnline. "It is not only essential that customers are fully informed that they are being watched, but that they also have real choice of service and on what terms it is offered."
...The "seeing" mannequins have been on the market for about a year now and are currently in shops in four countries, including the U.S. At this time it is unclear what other retailers may be using these mannequins as Almax cites confidentiality agreements, but it was noted that five companies, located in three European countries and one in the U.S., are using "a few dozen" with more on order.
Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/337332#ixzz2CqyNswvw
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