New York City, New York — Wegmans has expanded the use of biometric data collection at its New York City stores, notifying shoppers that their faces, eyes, and voices may be scanned and stored when they enter Manhattan and Brooklyn locations, according to newly posted signage.
The Rochester-based grocery chain says the system is intended to “protect the safety and security of our patrons and employees.” The policy marks an expansion of a 2024 pilot program, which Wegmans previously said was limited to a small group of employees and that any customer data collected during testing would be deleted. The new signage contains no such assurances.
Wegmans has not publicly explained how long biometric data is retained, how it is secured, or whether it could be shared with law enforcement. The company did not respond to questions about why its policy changed or what safeguards are in place.
The practice is legal under a 2021 New York City law that requires businesses collecting biometric data to post clear notices. However, the city agency tasked with implementing the law lacks enforcement authority, leaving consumers to pursue legal action on their own if they object.
Privacy advocates warn that biometric databases carry inherent risks, including data breaches and potential misuse. Others note the chilling effect such systems may have on immigrant communities and everyday shoppers. Some customers interviewed said the policy would influence where they shop, citing discomfort with being scanned during routine errands.
A City Council bill introduced in 2023 to restrict private-sector biometric surveillance has stalled, leaving the issue largely unregulated beyond disclosure requirements.
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