Story perspectives

Australia Backs Bunnings' Facial Recognition, Sparks Privacy Concerns

2/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Australia approved Bunnings' facial recognition technology, overturning the privacy commissioner's ruling.
The decision shows Australia is unprepared for AI advances, with laws last updated about 40 years ago.
Mark Dreyfus, the former attorney general, proposed reforms to strengthen privacy protections, but vested interests resisted change.
Without stronger regulations, individuals risk becoming subjects of a real-time experiment on their private lives, and public support for privacy measures remains strong.

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Story summary

Australia approved Bunnings' facial recognition technology, overturning the privacy commissioner's ruling.
The decision shows Australia is unprepared for AI advances, with laws last updated about 40 years ago.
Mark Dreyfus, the former attorney general, proposed reforms to strengthen privacy protections, but vested interests resisted change.
Without stronger regulations, individuals risk becoming subjects of a real-time experiment on their private lives, and public support for privacy measures remains strong.