BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) \u2014 Retailers including Wegmans are no longer permitted to collect customers\u2019 data through facial recognition technology across Erie County, according to a new law passed by local lawmakers on Thursday.<\/p>\n
Cameras at select Wegmans stores, including in New York City, use facial recognition technology to collect data on customers. In a previous statement<\/a>, Wegmans explained that the tech\u2019s purpose is to ensure the supermarket\u2019s security and identify any customers who pose a potential safety risk.<\/p>\n Wegmans said in New York City, the store complies with local policies by making customers aware of the technology through signage.<\/p>\n Now, Erie County has banned the collection of this data \u2014 the first county in New York State to do so.<\/p>\n A 7-4 vote passed the Biometrics Transparency and Privacy Act, banning the collection, storage, procurement, use and sale of biometric data \u2014 including face and iris scans, fingerprints and voice recognition.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cThe real risk is not that you don\u2019t know your data\u2019s being collected, the real risk is that it gets stored, sold, or stolen,\u201d Dupre said. \u201cThis line this law draws is between a security camera and a biometric database.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Latest Local News\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Gabriella Baiano has been a digital producer with WIVB since November 2025. View more of her work here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/p>\n