Wegmans has introduced biometric surveillance signs in its Brooklyn and Manhattan locations, notifying customers that facial scans and other identifying data are being collected for security purposes. While the company claims the technology is limited to high-risk stores to identify individuals with a history of misconduct, the updated policy no longer promises that shopper data will not be stored.
New warning signs have appeared at Wegmans grocery stores across New York City informing shoppers that their biometric information is being recorded and stored. These notices, recently spotted at locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, indicate that the company may collect facial recognition scans, voiceprints, and eye scans. The signs explicitly state that this data is utilized to identify individuals, marking a significant shift in the company's transparency regarding its surveillance practices.
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The implementation of this technology follows a pilot program launched in 2024. During that initial phase, the Rochester-based supermarket chain reassured the public that any data collected from shoppers would not be permanently saved. However, the language on the new signs lacks those previous privacy guarantees, stating instead that the company will not trade or profit from the transfer of the biometric identifiers it collects.
A spokesperson for Wegmans clarified that the surveillance system is currently deployed in only a small number of stores deemed to have an elevated security risk. The company maintains that the primary goal of the program is to ensure the safety of both employees and customers. According to the representative, the technology serves as a tool to monitor the premises for specific individuals who have previously been involved in incidents or misconduct.
The specific biometric data being captured is cross-referenced against a database of flagged individuals. When the system identifies a person who has been barred from the store or has a history of disruptive behavior, security personnel are alerted. Wegmans emphasizes that this is a standard retail practice aimed at protecting the integrity of their operations and preventing potential threats before they escalate.
Despite these security justifications, the presence of the signs has raised concerns among privacy advocates regarding how long personal data is retained and the potential for broader surveillance. While Wegmans asserts that the data is not being sold for profit, the transition from temporary data collection to long-term storage represents a notable change in how the grocery chain handles the sensitive biological information of its New York City customer base.
Source: NYC Wegmans Stores Shopper Facial Scans And Biometric Data To Boost Security