One Piece Follows in Pokémon’s Footsteps With Controversial ID Measures
The One Piece Card Game is rolling out facial recognition systems in Japanese retail locations to combat resellers who systematically purchase inventory in bulk at standard prices and resell at markups. This technological response mirrors measures The Pokémon Company introduced after experiencing both product scarcity from scalping operations and serious security incidents. Customers will be identified on entry and may be blocked from purchases if their history suggests scalping behaviour.
Bandai Namco frames the system as protecting customer access to products and employee safety, citing Pokémon's justification following a $21,000 robbery and a homicide. The company's privacy policy acknowledges collection of facial data and online browsing information. While the system currently applies only to Japanese stores, the measure has drawn criticism from observers concerned about surveillance expansion, though both companies maintain that unchecked reseller activity leaves them no realistic alternative.
- One Piece Card Game will use facial recognition technology in Japanese stores starting Aug. 22 to prevent scalpers from bulk-purchasing products
- Bandai Namco is adopting this measure after scalpers severely impacted product availability; Pokémon implemented similar systems following safety incidents including robbery and homicide
- The system will track customer purchase history and store visits to deny suspicious repeat buyers; privacy advocates object, but the company argues the anti-scalping and safety benefits justify the measure