Boots record what you say in their stores

[Grrrrr]

I noticed this sign in my local Boots today. I'd like to ask the internet what they think of this?

Personally, it bothers me. It's one thing recording our every move on CCTV but recording what we say as well seems too much. Although Boots is a public place I still think we have the right to private conversations, especially in a place like Boots where you might (for example) be discussing a medical matter with your partner.

CCTV is usually installed to deter and catch shop lifting, I get that. Recording audio, though? I can't see how that would effective at deterring/catching shoplifting and certainly not to the extent that it outweighs the significant privacy issues.

Finally, I'd hate for recording audio to become "normal" like CCTV has. Can you imagine if cafes and pubs started recording our conversations? Who knows, maybe they do already?

So I ask again, internet, what do you think of this?

 

[Kanpai]

Time to troll in boots tomorrow

 

[shauncr91]

My last conversation in Boots was around Christmas time and along the lines of "This is **** Superdrug was better". I don't have a problem with it.

 

[hornetstinger]

It's a good idea- good way to protect employees from the general public out to get money from companies.

 

[stockhausen]

Boots want advance warning of any raid by HMR&C.

 

[muon]

As long as they are completely open about it, I don't see the problem. You are given the choice.

This isn't a school, place of work, public path etc. where you have far less choice about it.

 

[andy_mk3]

I highly doubt they sit and replay all the recordings. I'm sure it's just for any potential extra evidence if the CCTV footage needed to be used.

 

[Tuppy_Glossop]

I highly doubt they sit and replay all the recordings.

I'd have that job

 

[Dav4]

It’s no different than people willingly putting devices like the Amazon echo or google home in there home or Tv’s that have voice commands and listen to conversations. Big brother is watching and listening at all times

 

[Raymond Lin]

Boots isn’t a public space.

The streets outside is public but when you step inside THEIR store, you are in a private space.

 

[Brizzles]

Pretty sure Boots have a 'private' consultant room, so this doesn't apply in there.

Unless you slap your wang on the counter asking for 'leeches for this' , no-one will notice.

 

[Malevolence]

Wasn't there something not too long back about Facebook using their app. on people's mobiles to record conversations? Was that true or was it just an urban myth?

 

[agw_01]

It’s no different than people willingly putting devices like the Amazon echo or google home in there home or Tv’s that have voice commands and listen to conversations. Big brother is watching and listening at all times

The next thing will be targeted TV and radio advertising and the connected IoT devices that know what you want, before you do.

 

[D3K]

Not sure if this is nationwide? Perhaps the staff in that shop get a lot of verbal abuse.

 

[terley]

Lots of CCTV have sound, this isn't new?? - Literally almost any shop with CCTV could have sound recording as well as video..

 

[Sankari]

Why would I care if Boots is recording what I say in a public place?

 

[iamdjdz]

Most CCTV systems will have the option to record audio, and this doesn't have to be specified on notices afaik. Chill your boots.

 

[Ayahuasca]

Perfect opportunity to exercise Tourette’s on demand.

 

[stopper]

Although Boots is a public place I still think we have the right to private conversations, especially in a place like Boots where you might (for example) be discussing a medical matter with your partner.

Boots is a private land, and their stores are just "open to the public". It's their land and you have no rights to privacy. But you do have the choice not to enter it.

On another note. I deliver fast food to the staff at thane road Boots all the time.

Posted while drunk of 20cl of vodka and half a litre of rosé wine....

 

[Thekwango]

Surely the audio recording would only be happening at the kiosks/counters? General audio recording would be just a mess of 'noise'