Walmart is quietly testing body-worn cameras on some store employees. The initiative has sparked debate on Reddit, where employees are sharing concerns about workplace surveillance and privacy.
Walmart Tests Body Cameras to Protect Workers During Customer Conflicts
Walmart, a major American retail chain, is at the center of a heated debate on social media. Reddit posts suggest that employees at several U.S. Walmart locations have recently received the cameras. Many say they first heard about the program through internal communications rather than a public announcement.
The retail store chain is one of the largest private employers in the U.S., and said that it is testing body cameras to protect employees, not to prevent theft, according to a CNBC report.
Employees are instructed to record escalating interactions, but the cameras are prohibited in break rooms and bathrooms.
Walmart Employees Voice Concerns Over New Body Cameras
The retailer has not disclosed details about how many stores are part of the program. This lack of official communication has fueled speculation among employees.
Some workers worry the cameras could be used for performance monitoring instead of safety.
A Reddit user pointed out, “If it’s easier and faster to record on Walmart-owned cameras, people will do it, and that video becomes Walmart property. They can access it when needed without having to get permission from anyone, and it can’t be posted without Walmart’s permission.”
Another employee expressed frustration that Walmart’s body cameras and existing apps, such as Microsoft Teams, mainly monitor staff rather than help them.
One user wrote, “Surveillance society is here! Welcome to China. If you think cams can’t and won’t be used against you, you’re just ignorant.”
However, some workers welcomed the initiative, saying body-worn cameras could help deter abusive behavior from customers and provide evidence in disputes.
Walmart’s employee body-camera program has drawn mixed reactions, highlighting the growing role of surveillance in retail and the concerns that come with it.
