Sainsbury’s customers blast CCTV screens that ‘could reveal PIN numbers’
Customers fear their PIN numbers could be stored on supermarket databases
SHOPPERS are furious at "creepy" CCTV screens being placed above self-service checkouts in hundreds of supermarkets across the UK.
Supermarket giants Sainsbury's and Tesco insist the screens, which show people a live feed of themselves paying for produce, are in place for the "protection" of customers, staff and stock.
But customers complained the "intrusive" surveillance screens could record their PIN numbers and store videos of their kids on supermarket servers.
Civil liberties watchdogs urged Sainsbury's to scrap the screens, branding them a "gross intrusion" of privacy" and a "blatant attempt to intimidate customers".
One Sainsbury's regular who had shopped at the supermarket for decades said she felt violated as she was filmed buying her groceries at a branch in central London.
She told the :"Not only does it feel like there is mistrust and that you are potentially guilty of something, but there’s also the fear they will be storing your data.”
“I shan’t be using their self-service machines ever again. I felt violated.”
Alex Durham, another Sainsbury's shopper, said he came across the "Orwellian" screens in Fitzrovia, London.
The 27-year-old told the news site: ";It’s a bit bizarre just to be looking at your face while you’re doing something, because it really feels like someone is over your shoulder while you’re just getting a packet of crisps and a coke."
Others on social media blasted Sainsbury's, claiming the screen clearly showed the pin machine and keypad.
Some users even vowed to boycott the machines and Sainsbury's itself until the screens were removed.
The tech is understood to be part of a crackdown on shoplifting. The supermarket said the cameras had been installed at more than 300 of its stores.
A Sainsbury’s spokeswoman said the cameras were part of a “security measure” to increase safety at its stores.
“The safety of our customers and colleagues is really important to us so we have invested in a range of measures to keep everyone safe, and this is essentially an example of that,” she said.
When asked how the move would benefit customer safety, Sainsbury’s said it could “not go into specifics”.
Tesco has also rolled out the trial feature in a small number of stores including a Tesco Extra in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent.
Mother-of-five Vicky Morrell, aged 38, from Bentilee, : "I come to Tesco once a week for bits and bobs.
"The new CCTV cameras could be dangerous, especially if you are using bank cards and if you have kids as well because you don't know who is behind the screen watching it.''
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Jim Killock, director of digital rights watchdog the Open Rights Group, told The Sun Online: "Nobody agreed that they should be recorded as they pay for their shopping.
"If there is theft, then Sainsbury's should consider having more staff to supervise. They should treat their customers with some respect."
Silkie Carlo, director of civil liberties watchdog Big Brother Watch, said: “Sainsbury’s new self-surveillance screens are a gross intrusion of shoppers’ privacy, broadcasting the contents of our wallets and baskets.
“These new cameras are a blatant attempt to intimidate customers and make us feel more closely watched than ever.
“It is absolutely disgusting for Sainsbury’s to treat its loyal customers like criminals, especially as it is now nigh on impossible to get a human checkout. Big Brother Watch calls on Sainsbury’s to remove these surveillance screens urgently.”
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