Wegmans' Biometric Data Collection in NYC Stores Raises Privacy Concerns

Wegmans supermarkets in New York City have begun collecting biometric data from all patrons entering their Manhattan and Brooklyn locations.

 

New signage indicates that the chain is now capturing and storing information related to customers' faces, eyes, and voices.

 

This initiative aims to "protect the safety and security of our patrons and employees," as stated on the posted notices.

 

Initially, in 2024, Wegmans piloted this technology with a select group of employees, assuring that any biometric data inadvertently collected from shoppers would be deleted.

 

The current expansion, however, does not provide such assurances, leading to heightened privacy concerns among customers.

 

When approached for details on data storage practices, policy changes, or potential sharing with law enforcement, Wegmans representatives did not respond.

 

Shoppers have voiced their discomfort with the new policy.

 

Johnny Jerido, 59, stated, "I really don't like it. I don't want no one to think I'm stealing anything or doing anything illegal."

 

Similarly, Blaze Herbas, 29, commented, "We should be able to shop freely without data being saved on us. That's obvious."

 

In response to growing concerns over biometric data collection, legislation was introduced in the New York City Council in 2023 to prohibit businesses from using such systems.

 

However, the bill has stalled, and other supermarket chains, like Fairway, have already implemented similar technologies.

 

Councilmember Shahana Hanif, the bill's primary sponsor, has not provided comments on Wegmans' expanded program.

 

Under a 2021 city law, businesses collecting biometric data are required to post notices about the practice.

 

However, enforcement mechanisms are lacking, leaving customers to pursue legal action independently.

 

Privacy advocates warn that storing customers' biometric data could expose them to risks from hackers or immigration enforcement.

 

Will Owen, from the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, expressed concern: "It's really chilling that immigrant New Yorkers going into Wegmans and other grocery stores have to worry about their highly sensitive biometric data potentially getting into the hands of ICE."

 

As the debate over biometric data collection continues, shoppers are left to weigh the convenience of their favorite stores against potential privacy infringements.