Wegmans Biometric Data Collection Sparks Concerns in New York City Shoppers
Residents of Manhattan and Brooklyn who visit Wegmans supermarkets may have their biometric data collected, stored, and potentially shared with law enforcement without explicit consent. The Rochester-based supermarket chain has begun posting signs at its stores indicating that anyone entering the premises will have their facial recognition, voice patterns, and other identifying features captured.
According to Wegmans representatives, the collection of this biometric data is intended to "protect the safety and security" of patrons and employees. However, a pilot program launched in 2024 collected the data from a limited number of employees, with assurances that the information would be deleted after use. The updated signage makes no such guarantees.
New York City has implemented a law requiring businesses to post signs announcing their biometric collection practices. Yet, it remains unclear how many other companies are using similar systems without public disclosure.
Critics argue that this practice raises significant concerns about data storage and potential misuse by law enforcement agencies. Privacy advocates point out that storing customers' biometric information can expose them to risks from hackers or immigration enforcement.
For some shoppers, like Johnny Jerido, 59, who opted to shop elsewhere after learning of the biometric collection system, the issue is a matter of personal comfort and trust in corporate practices. "I really don't like it," he said. "I don't want no one to think I'm stealing anything or doing anything illegal."
The lack of clear answers from Wegmans representatives on how the collected data will be stored, shared with law enforcement, or used has sparked concerns about transparency and accountability. As Councilmember Shahana Hanif's bill aimed at blocking businesses from using biometric collection systems remains stalled, shoppers must weigh their individual values against the convenience and security offered by such practices.
The expanded use of biometric scanning in New York City supermarkets raises questions about the balance between corporate interests and consumer rights, particularly for vulnerable populations like immigrants who may face increased scrutiny. As one shopper, Blaze Herbas, 29, noted, "We should be able to shop freely without data being saved on us. That's obvious."
Residents of Manhattan and Brooklyn who visit Wegmans supermarkets may have their biometric data collected, stored, and potentially shared with law enforcement without explicit consent. The Rochester-based supermarket chain has begun posting signs at its stores indicating that anyone entering the premises will have their facial recognition, voice patterns, and other identifying features captured.
According to Wegmans representatives, the collection of this biometric data is intended to "protect the safety and security" of patrons and employees. However, a pilot program launched in 2024 collected the data from a limited number of employees, with assurances that the information would be deleted after use. The updated signage makes no such guarantees.
New York City has implemented a law requiring businesses to post signs announcing their biometric collection practices. Yet, it remains unclear how many other companies are using similar systems without public disclosure.
Critics argue that this practice raises significant concerns about data storage and potential misuse by law enforcement agencies. Privacy advocates point out that storing customers' biometric information can expose them to risks from hackers or immigration enforcement.
For some shoppers, like Johnny Jerido, 59, who opted to shop elsewhere after learning of the biometric collection system, the issue is a matter of personal comfort and trust in corporate practices. "I really don't like it," he said. "I don't want no one to think I'm stealing anything or doing anything illegal."
The lack of clear answers from Wegmans representatives on how the collected data will be stored, shared with law enforcement, or used has sparked concerns about transparency and accountability. As Councilmember Shahana Hanif's bill aimed at blocking businesses from using biometric collection systems remains stalled, shoppers must weigh their individual values against the convenience and security offered by such practices.
The expanded use of biometric scanning in New York City supermarkets raises questions about the balance between corporate interests and consumer rights, particularly for vulnerable populations like immigrants who may face increased scrutiny. As one shopper, Blaze Herbas, 29, noted, "We should be able to shop freely without data being saved on us. That's obvious."
. I mean, I get it that Wegmans wants to keep its customers and employees safe, but can't they just have a chat with the NYPD about it instead of installing these creepy cameras? 
And what's up with the lack of transparency on how they're storing all this info? It feels like they're just gonna save it forever 
. I'm not sure if I'd even know if they were collecting my biometric data, and that's kinda scary 
. As Blaze said, we should be able to shop freely without our data being saved on us - that makes total sense!
It's one thing if it's just for a specific task, but now it's like they're collecting it all the time. And what if some rogue cop is like "hey, let me see that Johnny Jerido's biometric data" without him even knowing? 
That just feels too invasive to me. I think we need more transparency about how this stuff gets stored and shared. It's a slippery slope, you know? 
. I remember when I was shopping with my kid last week and I saw that sign, I was like "what's going on here?" And I thought about how I wouldn't want someone to track me just because I'm buying some organic kale 
. I know it's not a big deal for everyone but for those of us who are super private, it's like we're living in a sci-fi movie 
.
I mean, I get it, security is important but can't they just use good old CCTV cameras instead of invading our privacy? This whole thing just feels like a huge corporate grab for power and control... I'm never shopping there again, no matter how good their meat selection is 
and its not even clear how it will be stored! i'm def shopping at different stores from now on. i cant trust them to keep my info safe 
this is getting out of hand - a supermarket chain is collecting our biometric data without even asking? like what's next, having our fingerprints taken at the deli counter? 
And what about those of us who might be immigrants or have complex identities - don't we deserve extra protection from data misuse? 
The whole thing just feels like a step too far into surveillance state territory 
but no, they gotta make a big deal about it now and give everyone the heebie-jeebies 
they got the right to say no. and yeah, the worry is that this data could get leaked or shared in a way thats bad for ppl
and what really gets me is that they won't even say how the data is stored or shared