(NewsNation) — Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., is sounding the alarm about Kroger using facial recognition technology.
The grocery chain says it uses the technology to determine gender and age to present targeted ads on its digital price tags that it rolled out five years ago.
Tlaib is accusing Kroger of using facial recognition to price gouge, but Kroger says its "digital price tags" will bring down prices. The grocery chain also said its facial recognition practices will allow it to promote more personalized offerings and improve safety.
Concerns about facial recognition technology at grocery stores
The Michigan Democratic congresswoman, however, says she's concerned that facial recognition could be discriminatory and says it shouldn't be used at grocery stores.
According to a 2021 study commissioned by Sephora, 3 in 5 shoppers claimed to have experienced discriminatory treatment in a retail setting.
Another 2 in 5 shoppers said they experienced unfair treatment based on their race or skin color.
NewsNation reached out to Kroger and Tlaib for further comment but hasn’t heard back.
Why is this debate happening now?
Grocery prices and inflation have been a major topic this election cycle, and several other members of the Democratic Party have also raised concerns with Kroger.
In August, Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Bob Casey sent a letter to Kroger inquiring about digital shelving labels and expressing concerns about the use of facial recognition cameras.
They also asked the grocer several questions about pricing, profit margins and consumer data.
Tlaib had similar questions. However, in her letter, she cited studies that suggest facial recognition is flawed and can lead to discrimination.
"Studies have shown that facial recognition technology is flawed and can lead to discrimination in predominantly black and brown communities,” she wrote. “The racial biases of facial recognition technology are well documented and should not extend into our grocery stores."
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