Key Takeaways
- Wegmans grocery stores in New York City have introduced facial recognition technology to scan and store customers’ faces, eyes, and voices.
- The company has not clarified whether it plans to bring this technology to Central New York stores.
- Privacy advocates have condemned the move, citing concerns about bias, error, and discrimination in facial recognition systems.
- Legislation is currently being considered in the New York State Legislature to ban the use of biometric surveillance and facial recognition in places of public accommodation.
- Customers and advocates are speaking out against the technology, citing concerns about data collection, storage, and potential misuse.
Introduction to Facial Recognition Technology
Wegmans grocery stores in New York City have reportedly begun scanning the faces, eyes, and voices of each entering customer using facial recognition technology. Small signs announcing the new biometric data collection technology appeared this month in Manhattan and Brooklyn Wegmans locations. The signs state that Wegmans collects, retains, converts, stores, or shares biometric identifier information, which may include facial recognition, eye scans, and voiceprints. The Rochester-based grocery chain has confirmed that it has introduced the scanning technology in select stores that exhibit an elevated risk, but has yet to clarify whether it plans to bring this technology to Central New York stores.
Concerns About Bias and Error
The introduction of facial recognition technology has raised concerns about bias and error in the system. Some experts have warned that facial recognition systems are prone to error and discrimination, particularly against people of color and women. Wegmans has acknowledged concerns about fairness and bias in facial recognition systems, stating that it employs a multitude of training and safety measures to help keep people safe. However, the company’s statement has done little to alleviate the concerns of customers and advocates, who are speaking out against the technology. Daniel Schwarz, senior privacy and technology strategist at the New York Civil Liberties Union, has called the facial recognition technology "highly erroneous" and raises privacy concerns for customers.
Customer Reaction
Customers are reacting strongly to the introduction of facial recognition technology in Wegmans stores. Melanie Martin, a shopper at the East Syracuse location, said she would stop shopping at Wegmans if it introduces facial recognition and biometric software to its Central New York locations. Martin expressed concerns about the potential for data mining and the lack of transparency about how the collected data will be used. Sophia Suriano, another shopper, said that Wegmans and other companies appear to be investing in new technology to capitalize on the hype around the AI industry, but are failing to consider the side effects such tools can have on customers. Suriano expressed concerns about the amount of data being collected and the potential for misuse.
Advocacy and Legislation
Privacy advocates are condemning Wegmans’ shift toward surveillance and encouraging state lawmakers to enact protections against biometric-scanning tools. The Surveillance Technology Oversight Project has argued that Wegmans is exposing both its employee and customer data to the risk of being wound up in the hands of hackers, unauthorized law enforcement officers, or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Legislation is currently being considered in the New York State Legislature to ban the use of biometric surveillance and facial recognition in places of public accommodation. A bill sponsored by State Senator Rachel May seeks to ban law enforcement, landlords, and schools from using biometric surveillance and facial recognition. An advocacy group called Ban the Scan has created a guide to biometric-related legislation in New York City and New York state.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The introduction of facial recognition technology in Wegmans stores has raised important questions about privacy, bias, and error. As the company considers expanding this technology to Central New York stores, it is essential that customers and advocates continue to speak out against the potential risks and misuse of this technology. Legislation and advocacy efforts are underway to protect customers and employees from the potential harm caused by biometric surveillance and facial recognition. As the debate continues, it is essential to consider the potential consequences of this technology and to prioritize the protection of individual rights and freedoms.
