A new law has been proposed in New York state as Wegmans collects customers\u2019 biometric data in some stores.<\/p>\n
New York State Sen. Rachel May<\/a>, D-Syracuse, introduced a bill last year prohibiting the use of biometric surveillance system or biometric surveillance information in places of public accommodation, such as grocery stores. <\/p>\n Wegmans posted signs recently at some New York City locations notifying shoppers that it \u201ccollects, retains, converts stores or shares customers\u2019 biometric identifier information which may include: facial recognition, eye scans or voice prints.\u201d The company has not said if it is using the same technology in Syracuse stores or other locations, but spokesperson Tracy Van Auker confirmed<\/a> Wegmans is using cameras equipped with facial recognition software in a \u201csmall fraction of stores that exhibit an elevated risk.\u201d<\/p>\n The Rochester-based supermarket chain is using the data to protect shoppers and employees by identifying \u201cindividuals who have been previously flagged for misconduct,\u201d Van Auker said. The data is stored for \u201cas long as necessary for security reasons\u201d before it is disposed of and is not shared with any third parties, she added.<\/p>\n According to Patch.com<\/a>, other supermarket chains and retail stores have also been using similar technology, including Walmart and Target. Privacy advocates told The Gothamist<\/a> that they fear it makes people vulnerable to hacking, identity theft and ICE immigration enforcement. <\/p>\n May said her proposed amendment to the current civil rights law would \u201csafeguard biometric information, the measurable physiological, biological, or behavioral characteristics that are attributable to an individual New Yorker, from surveillance.\u201d A similar bill<\/a> has been introduced in the New York State Assembly.<\/p>\n