Tesco's introduction of AI technology to some self-checkouts has led to customers joking that it bears a striking resemblance to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology used in football. The supermarket is aiming to reduce shoplifting by installing overhead cameras to identify when shoppers fail to scan an item properly, and then showing a live-action replay of the item not scanning. While some shoppers mocked the tech, others complained it was a step too far, with some saying they would not use self-checkout again. The move comes after shoplifting in the UK hit a record high in 2024. Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that shoplifting offences recorded by police in England and Walesrose 20% last year to 516,971. But the number of thefts recorded by retailers themselves is even higher. Figures from the British Retail Consortiumsuggest there were 20.4 million theftsin the year to last September, up 3.7 million on the year before, costing retailers £2bn. Tesco said it had rolled out the technology across some of its stores in a bid to help customers using self-service checkouts to identify if an item hasn't scanned properly. The supermarket said it would make the checkout process "quicker and easier". If an item fails to scan, customers are shown a video on the self-service screen of their attempt, accompanied by a message saying "The last item wasn't scanned properly. Remove from bagging area and try again." It follows a similar move by Sainsbury's, which has rolled out AI recognition technology at self-service checkouts at some of its stores. "We regularly review the security measures in our stores and our decisions to implement them are based on a range of factors, including offering our customers a smooth checkout experience," said a Sainsbury's spokesperson. "VAR Decision – Tuna Disallowed," joked one commenter on avideo posted on Instagramshowing the technology flagging an item that had failed to scan properly, which has had more than 3.5 million views. "Clearly off side," added another. But on Bluesky, a uservoiced fearsthat the technology could open the door to more surveillance measures. "What's next? Drones to follow… you about the store?" On Facebook,another user saidhe would "not use self-checkouts" after the technology was introduced. The move marks the latest attempt by retailers to try to stem the rise in shoplifting. Tesco has alsointroduced giant trolley scalesat its Gateshead store, which prompted a similarly mixed response from shoppers earlier this year. "Am I at border control or Tesco?" asked one Reddit user. Last week Greggs announced that it willmove its self-serve food and drinksbehind the counter at sites where there are high levels of theft. And in 2023, photos circulating on social mediashowed supermarkets had fitted productsincluding steaks and cheese with security tags, while coffee was replaced with dummy jars.
Tesco shoppers mock 'VAR'-style cameras at self-checkout
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Tesco Introduces AI Cameras at Self-Checkout to Combat Shoplifting"
Bbc News
7.7
TruthLens AI Summary
Tesco has recently implemented artificial intelligence technology at some of its self-checkout stations, leading to a humorous comparison among shoppers to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) used in football. The supermarket's initiative aims to combat rising shoplifting incidents, which reached record levels in the UK in 2024. Overhead cameras have been installed to monitor whether items are scanned correctly, displaying a live-action replay of the scanning process if an item fails to register. Despite the intended benefits, such as a smoother checkout experience, many customers have expressed discomfort with the new technology. Some have indicated they might avoid self-checkouts altogether, highlighting concerns over increased surveillance and privacy implications. The British Retail Consortium reported a staggering 20.4 million thefts within the past year, prompting retailers like Tesco to adopt innovative security measures to address this growing issue.
The rollout of AI technology at Tesco follows similar actions taken by competitor Sainsbury's, which has also integrated AI recognition systems at their self-service checkouts. Tesco asserts that the technology will enhance the checkout process, making it quicker and more efficient for customers. However, the public's response has been mixed; while some have made light-hearted remarks about the system, others have criticized it as an unnecessary invasion of privacy. One social media user humorously remarked, "VAR Decision – Tuna Disallowed," drawing parallels between the checkout notifications and sports officiating. Meanwhile, another user expressed concerns about future surveillance possibilities, questioning whether stores would resort to even more invasive measures. As retailers continue to grapple with shoplifting challenges, Tesco's new approach reflects a broader trend in the industry, with other stores also experimenting with various security solutions, such as giant trolley scales and enhanced product tagging to deter theft effectively.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The recent introduction of AI technology at Tesco's self-checkouts has sparked a mix of humor and concern among shoppers. This development, intended to deter shoplifting, has been compared to the VAR system used in football, leading to jokes and complaints about privacy and the shopping experience. The backdrop of rising shoplifting incidents in the UK provides context for this technological shift, as retailers look for innovative ways to combat theft while maintaining a smooth checkout process.
Public Perception and Reactions
The article highlights how customers are reacting to the new technology, with many mocking its resemblance to VAR. This comparison not only serves to lighten the mood around the implementation but also indicates a broader skepticism towards surveillance technology in everyday life. Some shoppers expressed discomfort, stating they would avoid self-checkouts altogether, which suggests a potential backlash against increased monitoring in stores.
Broader Context of Shoplifting
The decision to implement these cameras comes amid alarming statistics about shoplifting in the UK, which saw a significant rise in thefts last year. The article points out that while police records indicate a 20% increase in shoplifting offenses, the actual figures reported by retailers are even more striking. This context emphasizes the urgency behind Tesco's decision to enhance security measures.
Impact on Retailers and Consumers
By rolling out this technology, Tesco aims to streamline the checkout process and reduce losses from theft. However, the mixed reactions from consumers could impact the retailer's sales and customer experience. If a substantial number of shoppers choose to avoid self-checkouts, this could lead to longer lines and decreased efficiency, countering the intended benefits of the new system.
Potential Manipulative Elements
The humor surrounding the VAR comparison could serve a dual purpose. While it lightens the mood, it may also divert attention from more serious concerns about privacy and surveillance. The article does not delve deeply into potential drawbacks, which could lead to a perception that these concerns are being downplayed.
Trustworthiness of the Information
The information presented appears factual, supported by statistics from reliable sources such as the Office for National Statistics and the British Retail Consortium. However, the framing of the news may influence public perception. By focusing on humor and customer reactions without exploring the implications of increased surveillance in detail, the article may steer readers towards a more light-hearted view of a serious issue.
Connection to Wider Trends
This news piece may reflect a larger trend in the retail industry towards increased surveillance and technology adoption as retailers grapple with rising theft rates. The comparison to VAR could resonate with sports fans, potentially garnering more attention from that demographic while alienating privacy-conscious consumers.
Economic and Social Implications
The ongoing implementation of AI in retail could have significant implications for the economy, particularly in how consumers interact with businesses. If customers begin to resist self-checkout technology, retailers may need to reconsider their strategies. This could lead to broader discussions about consumer rights, privacy, and the balance between security and convenience in the shopping experience.
In summary, while the article presents a factual account of Tesco's new technology, it also invites scrutiny of the implications of such measures on consumer behavior and privacy. The mix of humor and concern reflects the complex nature of technological advancements in everyday life.