Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Wegmans is starting to collect biometric information in some of its stores in New York City, but it's unclear if the company is collecting that data in Western New York.
Signs posted in the last few days at Wegmans stores in Manhattan and Brooklyn tell customers that biometric data collection is going on, and could include facial and vocal recognition, and retina scans. Wegmans ran a pilot program using facial recognition cameras in its New York City stores in 2024.
In a statement to CBS News, the company said "We use cameras to help identify individuals who pose a risk to our people, customers, or operation. In a small fraction of our stores that exhibit an elevated risk, we have deployed cameras equipped with facial recognition technology."
Local laws in New York City mandate signage notify customers about the technology, which is why its use came to light in these two stores. No such law exists in Western New York.
"I don't think we would have known about it until Brooklyn passed that law that gave notice," said Erie County Legislator Jeanne Vinal.
Vinal said that she would be interested in creating a law similar to New York City's in Erie County, but would like to hear public input before bringing something to the Legislature.
Others say they're on board with a new law.
"If companies need my permission to use my phone number or email, they should need my permission to use my face," said County Legislator Lindsey Lorigo. "At the very least, customers should be notified and given a clear option to opt in. Something as simple as checking a box."