BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Retailers including Wegmans are no longer permitted to collect customers’ data through facial recognition technology across Erie County, according to a new law passed by local lawmakers on Thursday.
Cameras at select Wegmans stores, including in New York City, use facial recognition technology to collect data on customers. In a previous statement, Wegmans explained that the tech’s purpose is to ensure the supermarket’s security and identify any customers who pose a potential safety risk.
Wegmans said in New York City, the store complies with local policies by making customers aware of the technology through signage.
Now, Erie County has banned the collection of this data — the first county in New York State to do so.
A 7-4 vote passed the Biometrics Transparency and Privacy Act, banning the collection, storage, procurement, use and sale of biometric data — including face and iris scans, fingerprints and voice recognition.
Sponsored by Legislator Lawrence Dupre (D-Buffalo), the legislation comes with certain exemptions. The ban does not include security cameras, and government agencies and law enforcement acting within their official duties are exempt.
“The real risk is not that you don’t know your data’s being collected, the real risk is that it gets stored, sold, or stolen,” Dupre said. “This line this law draws is between a security camera and a biometric database.”
After receiving a violation notice, retailers have 30 days to comply with the new law before facing any penalties. The legislation will go into effect immediately once filed with the New York State Secretary of State.
Latest Local News
Gabriella Baiano has been a digital producer with WIVB since November 2025. View more of her work here.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.