Manchester, UK — November 2025:
British retail giant Asda has started testing a facial recognition surveillance system in five of its stores across Greater Manchester, marking a major step forward in the use of biometric security technology in UK retail.
The supermarket chain has partnered with FaiceTech, a UK-based technology company, to deploy its FaiceAlert platform. The system uses advanced algorithms to identify individuals in real-time, aiming to reduce shoplifting and improve staff safety amid rising incidents of retail crime.
According to Asda, the pilot rollout comes after the company recorded more than 1,400 incidents of assaults and threats against staff last year. The technology promises a 99.992% facial matching accuracy rate, though the company notes that the system is being closely evaluated during this trial phase.
FaiceTech states that its software is built with “privacy by design” and fully complies with the UK’s GDPR and data protection laws. The firm emphasizes that no personal data is shared externally and that all biometric data is processed securely within the system.
Industry Significance
This move highlights a growing trend among UK retailers to shift from traditional CCTV monitoring services to intelligent, analytics-driven surveillance systems capable of real-time identification and alerts. However, privacy experts and digital rights advocates are expected to scrutinize the program closely, citing potential ethical and data governance concerns.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) may review the deployment as part of its ongoing oversight of facial recognition technologies in public and semi-public spaces.
Looking Ahead
If successful, the Asda-FaiceTech partnership could set a new benchmark for security technology adoption in the UK retail sector. Other major chains may follow suit, balancing innovation with the responsibility to protect customers’ and employees’ privacy.
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