The Pokémon Company says facial recognition technology will be used at five pop-up Pokémon Card Store locations in Japan to enforce entry restrictions, according to UPI Odd News.
The temporary stores are set to run from July 31 through Aug. 6 at AEON Mall Natori, Chofu PARCO, AEON Mall Higashiura, AEON Mall Hiroshima Fuchu and AEON Mall Chikushino. They will offer exclusive Pokémon Trading Card Game cards and Pokémon Center merchandise.
According to the company, customers of elementary school age or older must complete a facial recognition scan before entering. The system is designed to allow each shopper in only once per day, and anyone who tries to return after leaving without staff approval will be turned away.
The Pokémon Company said the scans are intended to create a safe and secure shopping environment, prevent crime and make sure entry and purchase rules are followed. The company also said the facial recognition data will be kept for an unspecified period before being deleted.
Scalping has been a persistent problem in the Pokémon Trading Card Game community, with resellers buying limited items in bulk and marking them up for resale, according to the report.
