Wegmans expands biometric data collection, raising privacy concerns

NEW YORK — Wegmans Food Markets has started collecting biometric data from shoppers entering its stores in New York City, according to new signs posted at the chain’s Manhattan and Brooklyn locations, sparking renewed concerns from privacy advocates and customers.

The notices indicate that facial recognition, eye scanning, and voice analysis may be used inside the stores to “protect the safety and security of our patrons and employees.” The policy expands on a 2024 pilot program, which the company previously said mostly applied to a limited group of employees and included assurances that any shopper data collected would be deleted. The new signage makes no such guarantees.

Wegmans has not publicly specified how long biometric data is stored, how it is protected, or whether it may be shared with law enforcement or other third parties. Company representatives did not respond to questions about the change in policy or its scope.

The practice has drawn pushback from some shoppers, who say they will no longer shop with the retailer until the policy is clarified or cancelled.

Under a 2021 New York City law, businesses that collect biometric data must post clear notices informing customers of the practice. However, the law lacks an enforcement mechanism, according to the city’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, leaving consumers to take private legal action if they believe their rights have been violated.

Efforts to further restrict biometric surveillance in private businesses have stalled. Legislation introduced in the City Council in 2023 to ban or limit such systems has not advanced, even as other retailers have adopted similar technologies.

Privacy advocates warn that storing sensitive biometric information poses risks beyond retail security. Will Owen of the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project said such data could be vulnerable to hacking or misuse, particularly for immigrant communities.

Wegmans is not alone in using biometric technologies, but the expansion of its program in New York City has intensified debate over transparency, consent, and the balance between loss prevention and customer privacy.