Wegmans grocery stores in Brooklyn and Manhattan have recently unveiled new signs warning customers that their personally-identifying biometric data, such as facial recognition scans, is being stored while they shop. The signs aim to protect the safety and security of patrons and employees by collecting and retaining biometric identifier information, including facial recognition, eye scans, and voiceprints.
This data collection initiative began as a pilot in 2024, with reassurances that shoppers’ data would not be saved. However, the current signs do not make this promise, only committing to not lease, trade, or profit from the transfer of biometric identifier information.
A Wegmans representative stated that the technology is only being used in a small fraction of stores with elevated risk. The facial recognition data is utilized to identify individuals who have been previously flagged for misconduct, and only facial recognition scans are stored. The images and video are retained for security purposes and then deleted, with the exact retention period undisclosed for security reasons.
Other grocery and retail locations in New York City, such as Fairway Market, Westside Market, and Walgreen’s, also implement biometric data collection. In 2021, a city law was enacted requiring stores collecting biometric data to post clear signs indicating such, but the enforcing agency lacks enforcement power.
A City Council bill introduced in 2023 aimed to ban biometric data collection altogether but failed to pass. Concerns about fairness and bias in facial recognition systems have been raised, particularly after incidents where the technology falsely identified individuals. Wegmans assures that they employ training and safety measures to prevent bias and ensure that decisions are not based solely on facial recognition data.
Overall, Wegmans’ use of biometric data collection raises privacy and security concerns, highlighting the need for transparency and safeguards in the implementation of such technologies. Customers should be aware of the potential risks and implications of having their biometric data stored while shopping at these locations.
