The recent misrepresentation of Woolworths's privacy policy has caused distress to many customers.
"We feel it our duty to respond and share accurate information on existing protocols and policies to address concerns and clarify misconceptions," said a spokesperson for Woolworths NZ,
In its Everyday Rewards programme member, the information collected about members is:
- Registration details, including your name, email address, phone number, date of birth, and street address for delivery
- EDR card number
- Communication preferences for EDR and online shopping
- Online shopping transaction details (Date, Location, EDR number, Articles Purchased, spending)
- In-store shopping transaction details where the EDR card was swiped
- Reward points earned and redeemed online
- Reward points earned and redeemed in-store
- Boost offers activated
- EDR Partners linked with EDR account and associated data on customer spending with that partner
- How members engage with our digital platforms and campaigns.
Contrary to recent assertions, Woolworths New Zealand wants to clarify that there is no linkage between customers' Everyday Rewards accounts and footage captured through CCTV. All customers, irrespective of EDR membership status, will likely be on CCTV footage in-store. However, this footage is only reviewed if there is a security, theft or safety incident.
The use of surveillance technology at Woolworths New Zealand is aligned with industry standards, and it is used only for security, theft prevention, or safety purposes, as set out in our Privacy Policy.
"We emphasise that CCTV has been standard practice for many years."
Some of our store teams wear body-worn cameras, which are only switched on as a last resort if they feel there is a risk to their safety. Woolworths maintains strict control over video or audio footage access, limiting it to essential personnel only.
At some store car parks it now has automatic number plate recognition cameras (ANPR). This alerts the store team if a known shoplifter or another person Woolworths knows is a danger to customers or the team enters the carpark.
"This can be a helpful warning for our store team so they can alert the police. This technology is only used for security, theft prevention, or safety purposes."
Woolworths wants to reiterate that its stores do not use facial recognition technology.
Its Privacy Policy is accessible through various channels, including dedicated pages on Woolworth's website, direct links upon registration for an EDR membership, and inclusion in the EDR Ts&Cs. Additionally, the Woolworths New Zealand Privacy Centre features FAQs discussing the collection of information, such as video footage, audio recordings, and number plates, solely for safety and security purposes.
Woolworths assures customers that their information is safeguarded with rigorous protocols.
"We're transparent in data collection practices, aligning with industry standards and regulatory requirements."
It remains committed to fostering trust and transparency with customers while upholding the highest privacy and data security standards. It welcomes dialogue and collaboration to ensure accurate representation of its policies and practices.
