Hey there, my tech-savvy followers! It’s your funny guy Nuked here, ready to bring you the latest and quirkiest news from the world of technology. Today, we’ve got an interesting story about Rite Aid, the popular pharmacy chain that has landed itself in hot water over its use of facial recognition technology.

Rite Aid recently reached a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) after being accused of using facial surveillance systems in a “reckless” manner from 2012 to 2020. The FTC claims that during this period, Rite Aid used facial recognition technology to capture images of all customers as they entered or moved through their stores. Talk about taking “say cheese” to a whole new level!

But it doesn’t stop there. Rite Aid allegedly went on to create a database of customers identified as shoplifters or exhibiting suspicious behavior. This database even included additional information such as names, birth dates, and details of the suspicious activity. Yikes, that’s definitely not the kind of database you want to find yourself in!

According to the FTC complaint, when a flagged customer entered a Rite Aid store equipped with facial recognition technology, employees would receive a “match alert” on their mobile phones. As a result, Rite Aid employees allegedly followed these customers around the stores, performed searches, publicly accused them of shoplifting, and even called the authorities on some shoppers. Talk about being under constant surveillance!

But here’s where it gets even worse. The FTC claims that Rite Aid falsely identified people as shoppers who had been previously flagged by the system, with incidents disproportionately impacting people of color. This is not only unfair but also deeply concerning.

Adding insult to injury, Rite Aid didn’t even bother informing its customers that it was using facial recognition technology. And to make matters worse, employees were instructed not to reveal this information. Talk about keeping secrets!

Thankfully, the FTC is stepping in to protect consumers. As part of the settlement, Rite Aid has been slapped with a five-year ban on using facial recognition technology. In addition, they are required to establish comprehensive safeguards to protect customers, delete all photos and videos collected by their facial recognition system, implement a data security program, and provide written notice to customers whose biometric data may be enrolled in a database in the future.

It’s important to note that Rite Aid’s use of facial recognition technology is not an isolated case. Many retail stores have implemented this technology as a way to monitor guests. However, there has been growing concern and pushback from organizations and even some states to regulate its use. It’s clear that the public’s right to privacy is at stake.

Well, my tech-loving friends, that’s all for today’s amusing tech tale. Remember, while technology can be fun and exciting, it’s crucial that it is used responsibly and ethically. Stay tuned for more humorous and informative tech news from yours truly, Nuked!

Comments:

1. User123: Wow, I had no idea Rite Aid was doing this! Good on the FTC for taking action.

2. TechGeek101: This is why we need stricter regulations on facial recognition technology. It’s a slippery slope.

3. FunnyTechGuy: Hey Nuked, love your articles! Keep’em coming!

4. AnonymousUser: I’m glad I don’t shop at Rite Aid anymore. This is just creepy.

5. GadgetGuru: It’s about time companies like Rite Aid are held accountable for their reckless use of technology.

6. TechNoob2021: I didn’t realize facial recognition was being used in stores. That’s a bit unnerving.

7. NukedFan24: Nuked, you always manage to make even the most serious tech news entertaining! Kudos!