Wegmans' Biometric Data Collection Sparks Outrage in NYC: "Opt-out" Option Not Available
Shoppers entering Wegmans supermarkets in New York City are unwittingly having their biometric data collected, including facial recognition, voice patterns, and eye scans. The Rochester-headquartered supermarket chain claims the new scanning system is designed to protect safety and security, but critics argue it raises significant concerns about customer privacy.
The company initially rolled out a biometric collection system in 2024 as part of a pilot program for a select few employees. However, under new signage posted at Manhattan and Brooklyn locations earlier this month, anyone entering the store can have their biometric data stored and potentially shared with law enforcement.
Customers are not being given an option to opt-out of the program, which has sparked widespread outrage among shoppers. One customer, Johnny Jerido, 59, says he will no longer shop at Wegmans due to concerns about surveillance: "I really don't like it... I don't want no one to think I'm stealing anything or doing anything illegal."
Legislation aimed at blocking businesses from using such systems was introduced in the City Council in 2023 but has yet to make progress. Despite this, other supermarkets have already adopted biometric collection practices, with Fairway being another example.
Councilmember Shahana Hanif, who sponsored the legislation, declined to comment on Wegmans' expanded program. However, experts warn that such systems can pose significant risks for customers, including data breaches and sharing with law enforcement.
The lack of clear guidelines and enforcement mechanisms regarding biometric data collection has left many wondering how companies like Wegmans plan to store and handle this sensitive information. As one advocate noted: "Storing customer's biometric data can open them up to risks from hackers or immigration enforcement... It's really chilling that immigrant New Yorkers going into Wegmans and other grocery stores have to worry about their highly sensitive biometric data potentially getting into the hands of ICE."
Shoppers entering Wegmans supermarkets in New York City are unwittingly having their biometric data collected, including facial recognition, voice patterns, and eye scans. The Rochester-headquartered supermarket chain claims the new scanning system is designed to protect safety and security, but critics argue it raises significant concerns about customer privacy.
The company initially rolled out a biometric collection system in 2024 as part of a pilot program for a select few employees. However, under new signage posted at Manhattan and Brooklyn locations earlier this month, anyone entering the store can have their biometric data stored and potentially shared with law enforcement.
Customers are not being given an option to opt-out of the program, which has sparked widespread outrage among shoppers. One customer, Johnny Jerido, 59, says he will no longer shop at Wegmans due to concerns about surveillance: "I really don't like it... I don't want no one to think I'm stealing anything or doing anything illegal."
Legislation aimed at blocking businesses from using such systems was introduced in the City Council in 2023 but has yet to make progress. Despite this, other supermarkets have already adopted biometric collection practices, with Fairway being another example.
Councilmember Shahana Hanif, who sponsored the legislation, declined to comment on Wegmans' expanded program. However, experts warn that such systems can pose significant risks for customers, including data breaches and sharing with law enforcement.
The lack of clear guidelines and enforcement mechanisms regarding biometric data collection has left many wondering how companies like Wegmans plan to store and handle this sensitive information. As one advocate noted: "Storing customer's biometric data can open them up to risks from hackers or immigration enforcement... It's really chilling that immigrant New Yorkers going into Wegmans and other grocery stores have to worry about their highly sensitive biometric data potentially getting into the hands of ICE."
I mean, come on! How many people are actually gonna get caught up in this? Like, if I'm just buying some groceries, I don't wanna be scanned and tracked. It's like they're treating us like rats or something. And what's the point of having all this data, anyway? So they can make targeted ads or sell it to whoever? 
No thanks! I'd rather pay extra for my eggs if that means I get to keep my biometrics to myself. And don't even get me started on the lack of opt-out options... like, hello! Some people might wanna opt out, maybe 'cause they're from a certain country or have concerns about their data being shared. Can't we just have some basic human rights in this day and age? 
I think people are overreacting here. Like, I get it, biometrics can be a bit unsettling, but come on, it's not like they're forcing you to give up your face or something 
. It's just a super-safe way for them to make sure nobody tries to steal stuff (like, literally, that's the whole point of having security systems in place).
. Like, they're setting a precedent and making grocery shopping more... secure or whatever. And if some people don't like it, well, there are plenty of other stores out there where you can shop without having your face scanned 
.
I'm literally shocked how far we've fallen in terms of our trust for corporations. Like, come on @Wegmans, do you really think our faces and voices are nothing? It's not like they're collecting DNA or something (although that'd be next). This is just a slippery slope to surveillance state 2.0. What's next? Canines sniffing out our purchases too? 
think they should really consider an opt out option 
1,000+ ppl cant b wrong about this right? 
. And think of the security benefits - if there's a shoplifter, they'll be caught in no time 
! Plus, it's not like we're talking about sharing everyone's data or anything 
. Just those who might be doing something wrong. It's like having a bouncer at your local store - you need some security measures in place 
.
. I mean, who doesn't want to feel secure while shopping? The fact that they're sharing this info with law enforcement for potential security threats makes total sense. And honestly, if you don't want your biometric data collected, maybe you shouldn't be shoplifting or committing some sort of crime 
.
It's a nightmare waiting to happen. The fact that customers are walking into stores without even realizing their data is being collected is just... ugh.
. And can you believe there's no opt-out option?! Like, what if this info gets sold to some shady company or used against us? 
.
I'm literally worried for all those people who shopped at Wegmans without even realizing they're having their personal info taken. Like, how can a company just do this and expect customers not to freak out? 
It's like, we get it, safety first and all, but can't we have some level of control over our own data? 
And the fact that they're sharing it with law enforcement is just creepy. What if someone uses that info against you? 
It's not about stealing or anything, it's about feeling like your personal space is being invaded. 
I'm literally shocked by this, you guys! Like, what even is the point of collecting all that info? It's just gonna get misused or hacked right? And no opt-out option?! That's crazy! 
. I'm not even joking, if I had a dollar for every time I thought about privacy in a supermarket, I'd be set 
We didn't need all this tech fuss back in my day, and we were just fine without it 
I've been shopping at Wegmans for years and never had any issues, but now I'm not sure if it's even worth the risk. I get that they want to keep their customers safe, but do they really need our facial recognition data to do so? 
I'm definitely going to be having this conversation with my partner and seeing what our stance is on it...
what's next? are they gonna scan our thoughts too? 
seriously though, how do we even know who's handling this data and what's gonna happen to it? like, I've heard horror stories about data breaches and sharing with law enforcement... can't we just opt-out already?! 