Technology
Harassment Fueled by Rite Aid’s Facial Recognition, Says FTC
How Rite Aid’s Facial Recognition Harms Customers and Communities
A report exposes how Rite Aid’s facial recognition system violates privacy rights, discriminates against people of color and women, and fuels harassment and violence.
Introduction: Meet the Author

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Hello, my name is Alex Smith, and I’m a freelance writer and blogger who specializes in technology, law, and social justice. I have been following the developments and controversies surrounding facial recognition for the past few years, and I have written several articles and reports on the topic. I have also interviewed experts, activists, and victims of facial recognition abuse, and I have witnessed firsthand how this technology can impact people’s lives.
In this article, I will share with you some of the shocking findings of a recent report that exposes how Rite Aid, a pharmacy chain that operates in the United States, has been using facial recognition systems in hundreds of its stores since 2017. I will explain how Rite Aid’s facial recognition system, called DeepCam, works, and what are the privacy, security, and ethical issues that it raises. I will also provide you with some practical tips and resources on how to protect yourself and your community from facial recognition surveillance and harassment.
What is Facial Recognition and How Does It Work?
Facial recognition is a technology that matches captured images with other facial images held in databases or on government watchlists. It uses artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to analyze the shape, size, and features of a person’s face, such as the distance between the eyes, the width of the nose, or the shape of the chin. Facial recognition can be used for various purposes, such as unlocking smartphones, verifying identities, tagging photos, or finding missing persons.
However, facial recognition can also be used for more sinister purposes, such as tracking, profiling, spying, or targeting people based on their appearance, behavior, or location. Facial recognition can be deployed in various ways, such as through cameras, smartphones, drones, or wearable devices. Facial recognition can also be integrated with other technologies, such as biometrics, geolocation, or social media, to create a more comprehensive and invasive picture of a person’s identity, activities, and preferences.
One of the most advanced and controversial facial recognition systems in the world is DeepCam, developed by a company called Clarifai. DeepCam uses deep learning algorithms to analyze faces, which means that it can learn from large amounts of data and improve its accuracy and performance over time. DeepCam claims to be able to recognize faces in any lighting, angle, or expression, and to be able to distinguish between identical twins, masks, or makeup. DeepCam also claims to be able to detect emotions, age, gender, ethnicity, and even health conditions from a person’s face.
How Does Rite Aid Use DeepCam and Why?
Rite Aid is a pharmacy chain that operates in the United States, with over 2,000 stores across 19 states. Rite Aid has deployed DeepCam in hundreds of its stores since 2017, without informing or obtaining consent from its customers or employees. Rite Aid claims that it uses DeepCam for security purposes, such as preventing theft, protecting staff and customers from violence, and verifying identities.
According to Rite Aid, DeepCam works by scanning the faces of everyone who enters its stores and comparing them with a database of known or suspected criminals, such as shoplifters, robbers, or violent offenders. If DeepCam detects a match, it alerts the store manager, who can then decide whether to confront, ban, or report the person to the authorities. Rite Aid also claims that DeepCam can help identify customers who are eligible for discounts, rewards, or special offers, based on their loyalty or purchase history.
However, Rite Aid’s use of DeepCam has been criticized by many experts, activists, and customers, who argue that it violates privacy rights, discriminates against people of color and women, and fuels harassment and violence. In the next sections, I will explain some of the main issues and concerns that Rite Aid’s facial recognition system raises, and how it impacts the lives of customers and communities.

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What are the Privacy Concerns of Rite Aid’s Facial Recognition System?
One of the most serious concerns of Rite Aid’s facial recognition system is that it violates the privacy rights of customers and employees, who are not informed or given a choice about the collection and use of their biometric data. Biometric data refers to the unique physical characteristics of a person, such as their face, fingerprints, iris, or voice. Biometric data is considered to be sensitive and personal information, as it can reveal a person’s identity, health, emotions, or preferences.
Rite Aid’s facial recognition system collects biometric data of customers and employees without their consent, and stores it in a database that can be accessed by Rite Aid, Clarifai, or third parties, such as law enforcement agencies, advertisers, or hackers. Rite Aid does not disclose how long it keeps the biometric data, or how it protects it from unauthorized access or misuse. Rite Aid also does not provide any way for customers or employees to opt out, delete, or correct their biometric data, or to challenge any decisions or actions that are based on it.
This means that Rite Aid’s facial recognition system can be used to identify, track, profile, or target customers or employees without their knowledge or permission, and potentially expose them to various risks, such as identity theft, fraud, stalking, harassment, or discrimination. For example, Rite Aid’s facial recognition system could be used to:
- Monitor the shopping habits, preferences, or health conditions of customers or employees, and use this information to manipulate their behavior, influence their choices, or sell them products or services that they do not need or want.
- Share the biometric data of customers or employees with third parties, such as law enforcement agencies, advertisers, or hackers, who could use it for their own purposes, such as surveillance, profiling, or targeting.
- Misidentify customers or employees as criminals or suspects, and subject them to false accusations, arrests, or violence.

Picture by: https://www.ftc.gov/policy
What are the Technical Vulnerabilities of Rite Aid’s Facial Recognition System?
Another major concern of Rite Aid’s facial recognition system is that it is vulnerable to technical errors, glitches, or attacks, that could compromise its accuracy, reliability, or security. Rite Aid’s facial recognition system relies on complex and opaque algorithms that are not transparent, accountable, or auditable, and that can be affected by various factors, such as lighting, angle, expression, or quality of the images. Rite Aid’s facial recognition system also depends on the quality and integrity of the data that it uses, such as the database of criminals or suspects, or the loyalty or purchase history of customers.
This means that Rite Aid’s facial recognition system can be spoofed, manipulated, or hacked by malicious actors, who could use fake images, masks, or software to impersonate someone else, or to alter or delete the biometric data of customers or employees. This could lead to various consequences, such as:
- Identity theft, fraud, or impersonation: Someone could use a fake image, mask, or software to trick Rite Aid’s facial recognition system into thinking that they are someone else, and gain access to their personal information, accounts, or benefits.
- Stalking, harassment, or violence: Someone could use a fake image, mask, or software to evade Rite Aid’s facial recognition system, and enter the store without being detected, and harass, threaten, or harm customers or employees.
- False accusations, arrests, or lawsuits: Someone could use a fake image, mask, or software to frame someone else as a criminal or suspect, and cause them to be falsely accused, arrested, or sued by Rite Aid or the authorities.
What are the Bias Issues of Rite Aid’s Facial Recognition System?
The most disturbing concern of Rite Aid’s facial recognition system is that it is biased and discriminatory, especially against people of color, women, children, and the elderly. Rite Aid’s facial recognition system uses DeepCam, which is based on deep learning algorithms that learn from large amounts of data. However, this data can be skewed, incomplete, or inaccurate, and reflect the biases, prejudices, or stereotypes of the people who collect, label, or use it.
This means that Rite Aid’s facial recognition system can be racially biased and inaccurate, and misclassify people of color, women, children, and the elderly more often than white men. Studies have shown that some facial analysis algorithms misclassify Black women nearly 35 percent of the time while nearly always getting it right for white men. This means that people of color are more likely to be misidentified as criminals or suspects than white people when using face surveillance technology like DeepCam.
This also means that Rite Aid’s facial recognition system can be used to target and harass people of color, women, children, and the elderly, who are already marginalized and vulnerable in society. Rite Aid’s facial recognition system can be used to:
- Exclude, isolate, or intimidate people of color, women, children, and the elderly, who may feel unwelcome, unsafe, or uncomfortable in Rite Aid’s stores, and avoid shopping there or working there.
- Profile, monitor, or criminalize people of color, women, children, and the elderly, who may be subjected to more scrutiny, suspicion, or intervention by Rite Aid or the authorities

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How to Protect Yourself and Your Community from Rite Aid’s Facial Recognition System?
As you can see, Rite Aid’s facial recognition system poses serious threats to the privacy, security, and dignity of customers and employees, especially people of color, women, children, and the elderly. However, there are some ways that you can protect yourself and your community from Rite Aid’s facial recognition surveillance and harassment. Here are some tips and resources that you can use:
- Avoid or boycott Rite Aid’s stores that use facial recognition. You can find out which stores use facial recognition by using this map created by the investigative journalists who exposed Rite Aid’s facial recognition program. You can also use this app to scan the barcode of any product and see if it is sold by Rite Aid or any other company that uses facial recognition. You can also support alternative pharmacies that respect your privacy and do not use facial recognition, such as CVS or Walgreens.
- Cover or disguise your face when entering Rite Aid’s stores that use facial recognition. You can use masks, sunglasses, hats, scarves, or makeup to hide or alter your facial features and prevent Rite Aid’s facial recognition system from recognizing you. You can also use special accessories, such as these glasses or this hat, that can reflect or block the infrared light that facial recognition cameras use to capture your face. You can also use this app to generate realistic-looking fake faces that you can use as your profile picture or avatar online.
- Educate yourself and others about the dangers and harms of facial recognition. You can read more about the issues and impacts of facial recognition on this website or this blog. You can also watch these videos or listen to these podcasts that explain how facial recognition works and why it is problematic. You can also share this article or any other relevant information with your friends, family, or social media followers, and raise awareness about Rite Aid’s facial recognition system and its consequences.
- Join or support the movements and campaigns that oppose facial recognition. You can sign this petition or this letter that demand Rite Aid to stop using facial recognition in its stores. You can also join or donate to these organizations or these coalitions that are fighting against facial recognition and advocating for privacy and civil rights. You can also contact your local, state, or federal representatives and urge them to pass laws or regulations that ban or limit the use of facial recognition by corporations or governments.
Conclusion: Take Action Now
Rite Aid’s facial recognition system is a clear example of how facial recognition technology can be used to violate privacy rights, discriminate against people of color and women, and fuel harassment and violence. Rite Aid’s facial recognition system is not only unethical, but also illegal, as it violates several state and federal laws that protect biometric data, consumer rights, and human dignity. Rite Aid’s facial recognition system is also unnecessary, as there are other, more effective and less invasive ways to ensure security and customer satisfaction.
Therefore, I urge you to take action now and protect yourself and your community from Rite Aid’s facial recognition system. You can avoid or boycott Rite Aid’s stores that use facial recognition, cover or disguise your face when entering them, educate yourself and others about the dangers and harms of facial recognition, and join or support the movements and campaigns that oppose facial recognition. By doing so, you can help stop Rite Aid’s facial recognition system and make a difference for yourself and your community.
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Digital Marketing: Strategies for Dallas Businesses to Grow Online
Dallas has emerged as one of the most competitive commercial hubs in Texas. Companies across the city compete for attention on Google, social media, paid advertising platforms, and local search results. As competition grows, simply having a website no longer guarantees visibility.
Businesses need a clear strategy that matches how local customers search, compare, and choose services. They also need to reach potential customers at the right stage of the buying journey.
A strong Digital Marketing strategy can help businesses attract relevant visitors, generate qualified leads, and build long-term brand visibility. It can combine search engine optimization, content creation, paid advertising, social media, website improvements, and local search tactics.
Why Dallas Businesses Need a Strong Online Strategy
Dallas has a diverse and rapidly growing business environment. Local companies often compete within specific neighborhoods, while others target customers throughout the wider Dallas-Fort Worth area.
A company may serve customers in Uptown, Downtown Dallas, Oak Lawn, Lake Highlands, or Bishop Arts. Meanwhile, businesses targeting the larger DFW market may also compete with companies in Plano, Irving, Frisco, and Fort Worth.
Customers seldom reach out to a company without conducting some research beforehand. They may search Google, read reviews, compare prices, explore services, or visit several websites before making a decision.
Therefore, businesses need to remain visible throughout this process. A well-planned online strategy can help them appear when potential customers actively look for their products or services.
Build a Strong Local Search Presence
Local search can provide significant value for businesses that serve customers in specific areas. A company can improve its local visibility by optimizing its website, Google Business Profile, service pages, location pages, and customer reviews.
For example, a Dallas home improvement company could create content around searches such as kitchen remodeling in Dallas or bathroom renovation near me. These searches often show stronger buying intent than broad searches.
Instead of trying to reach everyone, local optimization focuses on people who already need a particular service. This approach can bring more relevant traffic and improve the chances of generating inquiries.
Create Content That Answers Customer Questions
Good content should help people make decisions. It should not simply repeat keywords across multiple pages.
A strong Digital Marketing plan can include service pages, location-based content, blog posts, guides, FAQs, and comparison articles. Each piece should address a genuine customer question or concern.
For instance, a local business could explain pricing factors, expected timelines, service options, common mistakes, or preparation steps. This information gives potential customers useful answers before they contact the company.
Helpful content can also build trust. When a business consistently provides clear and relevant information, customers may view it as a knowledgeable option within its industry.
Turn Website Visitors Into Leads
Generating website traffic represents only one part of the process. Businesses also need to turn that traffic into meaningful actions.
A confusing website can cause visitors to leave before they make an inquiry. Therefore, companies should make the next step simple and obvious.
A conversion-friendly website should include:
- Clear descriptions of products or services
- Strong and relevant calls to action
- Easy-to-find contact information
- Simple inquiry forms
- Click-to-call options for mobile users
- Customer reviews and trust signals
- Straightforward navigation
- Fast-loading pages
- Mobile-friendly design
These improvements can make the customer journey smoother. They can also help businesses get more value from the traffic they already receive.
Combine SEO With Paid Advertising
Search engine optimization can build visibility over time. Paid advertising, on the other hand, can place a business in front of potential customers much faster.
A balanced strategy can combine organic search with Google Ads, remarketing, social media advertising, digital marketing and targeted campaigns. Businesses can then compare performance across different channels.
Paid campaigns can also provide valuable insights. For example, advertising data may reveal which search terms generate the most inquiries. Businesses can use those findings to improve their website content and organic search strategy.
However, paid advertising should not operate without a clear goal. Campaigns need relevant landing pages, suitable audiences, strong offers, and ongoing performance monitoring.
Strengthen Your Social Media Presence
Social media gives Dallas businesses another opportunity to connect with customers. The appropriate platform varies based on the audience and sector. Facebook and Instagram can work well for local services and visual businesses. LinkedIn can support B2B companies and professional services. Meanwhile, TikTok and YouTube can help brands reach audiences through short-form and educational video content.
Businesses can use social media to showcase completed projects, customer experiences, team members, product demonstrations, special offers, and community involvement.
Most importantly, businesses should focus on consistency. Posting random content simply to remain active rarely creates meaningful results. Instead, each post should have a clear purpose and provide something useful or interesting to the audience.
Use Data to Make Better Marketing Decisions
One major advantage of online marketing involves access to measurable data. Businesses can track website traffic, search rankings, leads, conversions, advertising results, engagement, and other important metrics. This data assists businesses in knowing what is effective and what requires enhancement.
For example, a service page may receive hundreds of visitors but generate very few inquiries. That result could indicate a weak call to action, unclear messaging, poor user experience, or an offer that does not match customer expectations. Data gives businesses an opportunity to investigate the problem. Instead of guessing, marketers can make changes based on actual customer behavior.
What to Look for in a Dallas Marketing Agency
Choosing an agency should involve more than comparing monthly fees. Businesses need a partner that understands their industry, customers, competitors, and service area.
A reliable agency should offer a clear strategy and explain how each activity supports the company’s goals. It should also provide transparent reporting and regular performance updates.
Look for experience in areas such as:
- Local SEO
- Content strategy
- Competitor research
- Website conversion optimization
- Paid advertising
- Social media marketing
- Performance tracking
- Reputation management
Most importantly, avoid agencies that offer the exact same package to every client. Your business has different customers, challenges, and goals. Your strategy should reflect those differences.
Create a Connected Growth Strategy
Successful online growth rarely comes from one marketing channel. SEO, content, paid advertising, social media, local search, reputation management, and website optimization should work together.
A Dallas marketing agency can connect these channels around shared business objectives. This approach creates a smoother path from initial search to website visit, inquiry, and eventual customer.
For example, local SEO can attract people searching for a service. Helpful content can answer their questions. A strong website can encourage them to contact the business. Reviews can then provide additional confidence before they make a decision.
This connected approach can create more consistent results than relying on one tactic alone.
Final Thoughts
Dallas businesses operate in a competitive digital environment. Customers have more choices, and they can compare companies within seconds. As a result, businesses need more than an attractive website. They need a strategy that puts them in front of the right audience and makes it easy for potential customers to take action.
Effective Digital Marketing combines visibility with trust, useful content, strong websites, and measurable campaigns. Businesses that continually review their data and improve their strategy can build stronger online visibility over time.
The key is to focus on the customer first. Understand what people search for, answer their questions, remove obstacles, and provide a clear reason to choose your business. With a consistent and connected approach, Dallas companies can attract better prospects and create sustainable opportunities for growth.
marketing
Search Engine Tips: 5 Smart Ways to Get Better AI Search Results
AI tools such as ChatGPT Search have transformed the way people find information online. In the past, most people entered a few keywords into a search box and opened several websites to find the right answer. Today, you can ask a complete question and receive a direct, conversational response with relevant sources.
However, better technology does not always guarantee better results. Search Engine quality of your answer often depends on the quality of your question. A vague prompt may produce a general response, while a detailed prompt can help you find information that closely matches your needs.
That means you need to rethink how you search. Instead of treating AI like a traditional search box, you can treat it like a research assistant. Here are five practical ways to get more useful and accurate answers.
Ask a Clear and Specific Question
One of the easiest ways to improve your results is to stop relying on short keywords. A traditional Search Engine can work well with simple phrases, but AI tools can understand complete questions and detailed instructions.
For example, instead of searching for:
- Keyword search: “AI marketing tools”
- Try asking:
- AI prompt: “What are the best AI marketing tools for small businesses in 2026? Compare their main features, pricing, and best use cases.”
The second prompt gives the AI much more information. It explains what you are looking for, who the tools should suit, and which details matter most.
As a result, you are more likely to receive a focused answer instead of a general list. You can also mention your goal directly. For example, tell the AI whether you want to increase website traffic, create social media content, generate leads, or improve email marketing. The more clearly you describe the task, the easier it becomes for the AI to understand what you actually need.

Give Context Before You Search
Context can make a major difference. AI can provide more relevant recommendations when it understands your situation. For instance, searching “Which laptop is best?” leaves many important questions unanswered. Instead, you could write: “I am a computer science college student. I need a laptop under $1,000 for programming, research, and video calls. Which models should I consider?”
Now the AI knows your budget, your field of study, and the tasks you need to perform. Therefore, it can focus on options that fit your requirements rather than suggesting every popular laptop.
This approach works for many types of research. You can provide your location when looking for restaurants or travel destinations. You can mention your experience level when searching for software or courses. Likewise, you can include your budget when comparing products.
In short, context helps the Search Engine understand why you are searching. It can then narrow down the information and make the results more useful.
Tell the AI How You Want the Information Presented
You should not assume that the AI will automatically organize information in the way you prefer. Instead, tell it what the final answer should look like. For example, rather than asking: “Compare SEO tools.”
You could ask: “Compare these five SEO tools based on keyword research, pricing, ease of use, and features. Present the information in a simple table and recommend the best option for a small business.”
This simple instruction can save you considerable time. Instead of reading several long paragraphs, you can receive information in a format that makes comparison easier.
You can request bullet points, step-by-step instructions, pros and cons, summaries, checklists, or comparison tables. You can also ask for a short answer when you only need the main points.
Furthermore, you can tell the AI how detailed you want the response to be. If you are a beginner, ask for simple explanations. If you already understand the subject, request a more advanced response.
Use Follow-Up Questions to Explore the Topic
Another major advantage of AI search is the ability to continue a conversation. You do not need to create a completely new search whenever you think of another question. Instead, you can begin with a broad question and gradually explore the subject. For example, your research might begin with: What are the main benefits of solar energy for a small business? Then you could ask: “What are the biggest disadvantages?” After that, you might ask: “Which government incentives are currently available?” Finally, you could say: “Summarize the benefits, risks, and incentives in a simple comparison.”
This approach makes research feel more natural. You can respond to the information you receive and ask for clarification when something seems unclear. It also prevents you from creating one extremely long prompt that tries to cover everything at once. Start with the main question. Then use follow-ups to explore specific areas. Think of AI as a conversational research assistant rather than a traditional Search Engine. You can guide the conversation until you find the information you need.
Always Check the Sources
AI can make research faster, but you should not assume every answer is automatically accurate. AI tools can occasionally provide outdated information, misunderstand a source, or make factual errors.
This matters even more when you research health, finance, law, technology, or current events. Information in these areas can change quickly, so older sources may no longer provide an accurate picture.
Therefore, take a moment to review the citations and links included with the answer. Look for information from reliable sources, including government agencies, official company websites, universities, academic publications, and established news organizations.
You can also ask the AI to verify important claims. For example, ask, “What sources support this information?” You can also request, “Verify these statistics using reliable sources published within the last year.” This extra step can help you identify outdated or questionable information before you rely on it.
Final Thoughts
AI has made online research faster and more conversational Search Engine. However, the quality of your results still depends heavily on the way you ask questions. Start with a clear goal. Add useful context. Tell the AI how you want the answer organized. Then, use follow-up questions to explore the subject further. Finally, verify important information through reliable sources.
These habits can improve your research whether you are studying for school, working on a business project, comparing products, or learning something new. The key is simple: the clearer your question, the more useful your answer is likely to be. With practice, you can turn AI into a much more effective research tool and find relevant information with less effort.
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