More than two months have passed since Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz signed the Biometrics Transparency and Privacy Act into law, banning businesses from collecting, using and selling people’s biometric information.
What You Need To Know
Erie County signed the biometric act into law at the end of May
The law prohibits businesses from collecting, using or selling people’s data
Those violating the law face stiff daily fines
Businesses were given until July 5 to disclose if they possess the data and if so, how they planned to destroy it.
Spectrum News 1 has obtained and learned the county’s Department of Consumer Protection had only received about 30 responses from businesses as of earlier this week, with only a handful disclosing they had collected the data.
One business that did comply was The Deli in East Aurora, disclosing that while they capture credit card information, they don’t hold or store it.
Owner Ed Borzillieri says customers can voluntarily give their email or cellphone number to get receipts or alerts about deals and promotions.
He says while he thinks the law is unnecessary, he’s surprised more business owners didn’t comply given the threat of a fine.
“Do whatever you think is right for something like this. An easy order to follow, and we did. We didn’t think about it much because it doesn’t affect our business,” said Borzillieri.
While some businesses say they use the technology to help combat misconduct and theft protection, county leaders say the law states businesses found in violation could face fines of up to $5,000 a day.