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Wegmans Confirms Facial Recognition at Select NYC Stores as Scrutiny Mounts

The grocer says the system targets previously flagged individuals without sharing scans with third parties.

Overview

  • New signs at some Manhattan and Brooklyn stores disclose biometric collection, listing facial recognition, eye scans and voiceprints, though the company says it is not using retinal scans or voiceprints.
  • Wegmans says cameras with facial recognition operate only in a small fraction of higher‑risk locations to identify people previously flagged for misconduct.
  • The company states images are kept only as long as necessary for security but will not disclose a specific retention period, and it says no facial recognition scan data is shared with third parties.
  • Wegmans’ privacy policy says security information, which may include biometrics, is accessible to a limited number of employees, third‑party service providers, or law enforcement for security tasks.
  • Officials and advocates are seeking limits and clarity under New York City’s 2021 disclosure law, with a council bill to ban private biometric collection revived and the FTC’s Rite Aid findings cited as a cautionary example.