Wegmans collects customers' biometric data: Difference between revisions
Bythmusters (talk | contribs) Added information on response in Connecticut and general cleanup |
Bythmusters (talk | contribs) Added information on which states are conducting facial recognition |
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}}Wegmans is an American supermarket chain headquartered in Rochester, NY, with stores across the east coast. With over 110 locations and over 54,000 employees, they make $12.5 billion in annual sales.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-10-09 |title=About Us - Wegmans |url=https://www.wegmans.com/about-us |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-07 |website=Wegmans}}</ref> | }}Wegmans is an American supermarket chain headquartered in Rochester, NY, with stores across the east coast. With over 110 locations and over 54,000 employees, they make $12.5 billion in annual sales.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-10-09 |title=About Us - Wegmans |url=https://www.wegmans.com/about-us |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-07 |website=Wegmans}}</ref> | ||
In January 2026, several Wegmans stores in New York City (NYC) have implemented facial recognition systems. As of January | In January 2026, several Wegmans stores in New York City (NYC) have implemented facial recognition systems. As of January 12, many of the implementation details of this data collection are unclear. Stores outside of NYC may have facial recognition systems that are undisclosed, and little information is known about how long biometric data is retained and how it is being secured. | ||
==Background== | ==Background== | ||
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We understand concerns about fairness and bias in facial recognition systems. We employ a multitude of training and safety measures to help keep people safe. Facial recognition technology serves as one investigative lead for us. We never base our decisions on a single lead alone. | We understand concerns about fairness and bias in facial recognition systems. We employ a multitude of training and safety measures to help keep people safe. Facial recognition technology serves as one investigative lead for us. We never base our decisions on a single lead alone. | ||
Our goal is simple - to keep our stores safe and secure.</blockquote> | Our goal is simple - to keep our stores safe and secure.</blockquote>In a statement to Newsday, Wegmans stated that their facial recognition systems are present in "a handful of states."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ocasio |first=Victor |date=2026-01-07 |title=As Wegmans ramps up theft prevention, here are 5 things to know about facial recognition technology |url=https://www.newsday.com/business/theft-ai-technology-privacy-bias-wegmans-ad3myqqx |access-date=2026-01-12 |website=Newsday}}</ref> | ||
==Legality and political response== | ==Legality and political response== | ||