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New patents allude to Walmart implementing sound sensors in its stores to monitor employee performance: the devices will be sensitive enough to collect audio data ranging from conversations with customers to the beeps of item scanners and the rustling of bags at checkout. Privacy advocates say that the retailer has gone too far.
According to the patent filed Tuesday, the sensors would be "distributed through at least a portion of a shopping facility" and collect data that will create a "performance metric" for Walmart workers. For example, the sensors would pick up on how many items are scanned, how many bags are used, how long shoppers wait in line, and how employees greet customers.
According to the patent filed Tuesday, the sensors would be "distributed through at least a portion of a shopping facility" and collect data that will create a "performance metric" for Walmart workers. For example, the sensors would pick up on how many items are scanned, how many bags are used, how long shoppers wait in line, and how employees greet customers.