The major Aussie stadiums using facial recognition technology

Some of Australia’s major stadiums are using controversial facial recognition technology, often without spectators’ knowledge or consent, according to Australia’s consumer advocacy group.

Choice looked into the privacy policies and conditions of entry for 10 stadiums across the country and found at least four are using facial recognition technology.

Allianz Stadium, Sydney. — Stadiums in Sydney and Melbourne have been found to be using facial recognition technology. (9News)

Now Choice has found facial recognition technology – which records a customer’s faceprint – is being used at some stadiums including Sydney Cricket Ground, Allianz Stadium, and Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney and Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne.

RAC Arena and Suncorp Stadium have also been named but the venues say the technology may be used “when available”.

Venues NSW, which owns and operates the Sydney Cricket Ground and Allianz Stadium, said: ”We abide strictly with our privacy obligations. We do not monetise facial recognition data.”

Choice consumer data advocate Kate Bower said it’s concerning the technology is being used without “clear information” for customers about where, how and why it is deployed.

Venue	Using facial recognition technology?
Sydney Cricket Ground	Yes
Allianz Stadium	Yes
Melbourne Cricket Ground	Yes
Qudos Bank Arena	Yes
RAC Arena	Unclear
Suncorp Stadium	Unclear
Accor Stadium	No
Marvel Stadium	No
Commbank Stadium	No
Optus Stadium	No

“We’re particularly worried about Qudos Bank Arena, owned by Ticketek’s parent company TEG – one of the biggest players in the Australian data broking space,” Bower said.

“TEG is not clear on how and why they collect and use facial recognition data, leaving the door open for harmful selling and sharing of sensitive biometric information.”

9news.com.au has contacted TEG and Qudos Bank Arena for comment.

Qudos Bank Arena terms of entry — Conditions of entry outside Qudos Bank Arena say facial recognition is used at the venue. (Choice)

Qudos Bank Arena has a capacity of 21,000 and hosts major entertainment events like the upcoming Disney on Ice and US popstar Lizzo’s concert.

“The amount of biometric data that potentially could be collected, stored and shared by TEG just in 2023 is massive,” Bower said.

As a result of the findings, Choice is calling for stronger regulation of facial recognition technology to protect customers’ privacy.

Qudos Bank Arena hosts major entertainment and sporting events. (Choice)

Bower said if the technology is being used, customers should have the option to opt in or out.

“Instead, any details regarding the use of this technology are usually buried deep in a privacy policy or conditions of entry,” she said.

“Clear guidelines are needed to ensure safe and responsible use of facial recognition technology, and to hold businesses to account when they are using this controversial technology inappropriately or dangerously.”