Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Lindsay Lorigo says she has heard from her constituents about concerns regarding some retailers collecting - without proper notice - biometric data and using facial recognition to help identify customers.
And, then some retailers are selling some of the data, too.
That was enough for her and fellow Erie County Legislator Timothy Hogue.
Both have submitted companion bills that would require retailers - or any business, for that matter - that uses biometric data to collect and monitor shopping habits to post that such information gathering service is underway.
And, the collected data could not be sold.
"I'm not necessarily opposed to (retailers) using biometrics, but customers have a right to know," Lorigo said. "And, they have a right to have that information protected."
Biometric data has become a talking point in recent months, following a report that Wegmans was using it in some of its New York City-area stores as a means to identify and watch potential shoplifters.
Wegmans came under fire for not disclosing that it was using biometric data.
None of Wegmans' area stores use biometrics, company officials say.
The New York City Council has, since then, enacted biometric restrictions.
Lorigo said other municipalities around the state are also considering biometric data restrictions.
"Concerns are growing," Lorigo said.
Yet, biometrics are being used as law enforcement officials continue to look for Nancy Guthrie. There was also a Super Bowl ad from Ring touting how it can help find lost dogs using biometric data.
"Conversations like that are natural and good," Lorigo said.
Both Hogue's and Lorigo's bills, on Feb. 12, were sent to various county legislature committees for review.
Public hearings and the opportunity for the public to comment will be made available, if the bills advance.
If enacted, something Lorigo thinks could happen later this year, any retailer or business caught violating the law would face fines, beginning at $500.