Wegmans collects customers' biometric data: Difference between revisions

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 ==Biometric collection in NYC stores==
-In January 2026, Wegmans stores in Manhattan and Brooklyn began displaying posters that disclosed the use of biometric data collection in their stores. The posters specify that the data collected may include faces, eye scans, and voiceprints. A disclaimer states that this biometric data will not be leased, traded, or otherwise profited from. But the collection of this biometric data is inherently troublesome, as once collected, there is no way to guarantee Wegmans upholds their policy, and even if they do, the data could be leaked by a rogue employee or released by hackers after a data breach.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Quigley |first=Liam |date=2026-01-03 |title=NYC Wegmans is storing biometric data on shoppers' eyes, voices and faces |url=https://gothamist.com/news/nyc-wegmans-is-storing-biometric-data-on-shoppers-eyes-voices-and-faces |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-07 |website=Gothamist}}</ref> Jonathan Weissman, a cybersecurity professor at Rochester Institute of Technology, emphasizes that unlike credit card numbers or passwords, biometric data cannot be changed, making a biometric data breach especially harmful.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Rose |first=Lowell |date=2026-01-05 |title=Wegmans’ use of facial recognition technology in stores raises questions |url=https://13wham.com/news/local/wegmans-use-of-biometric-technology-in-new-york-city-nyc-stores-raises-questions |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-07 |website=ABC 13 WHAM |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260106232650/https://13wham.com/news/local/wegmans-use-of-biometric-technology-in-new-york-city-nyc-stores-raises-questions |archive-date=6 Jan 2026}}</ref> He also notes that although biometric data is useful for authentication, it is not specific to one business or service; it can be used anywhere once captured.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharp |first=Brian |date=2026-01-07 |title=Why it matters that Wegmans and other retailers are gathering biometric data on shoppers |url=https://www.wxxinews.org/new-york-public-news-network/2026-01-07/why-it-matters-that-wegmans-and-other-retailers-are-gathering-biometric-data-on-shoppers |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-07 |website=WXXI News NPR |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260127035809/https://www.wxxinews.org/new-york-public-news-network/2026-01-07/why-it-matters-that-wegmans-and-other-retailers-are-gathering-biometric-data-on-shoppers |archive-date=27 Jan 2026}}</ref> This '''immutable and widely applicable''' data is a lucrative target for hackers, making it a '''near-inevitability''' that it will be leaked at some point in the future if enough companies collect biometric data.
+In January 2026, Wegmans stores in Manhattan and Brooklyn began displaying posters that disclosed the use of biometric data collection in their stores. The posters specify that the data collected may include faces, eye scans, and voiceprints. A disclaimer states that this biometric data will not be leased, traded, or otherwise profited from. But the collection of this biometric data is inherently troublesome, as once collected, there is no way to guarantee Wegmans upholds their policy, and even if they do, the data could be leaked by a rogue employee or released by hackers after a data breach.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Quigley |first=Liam |date=2026-01-03 |title=NYC Wegmans is storing biometric data on shoppers' eyes, voices and faces |url=https://gothamist.com/news/nyc-wegmans-is-storing-biometric-data-on-shoppers-eyes-voices-and-faces |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-07 |website=Gothamist |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260119051046/https://gothamist.com/news/nyc-wegmans-is-storing-biometric-data-on-shoppers-eyes-voices-and-faces |archive-date=19 Jan 2026}}</ref> Jonathan Weissman, a cybersecurity professor at Rochester Institute of Technology, emphasizes that unlike credit card numbers or passwords, biometric data cannot be changed, making a biometric data breach especially harmful.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Rose |first=Lowell |date=2026-01-05 |title=Wegmans’ use of facial recognition technology in stores raises questions |url=https://13wham.com/news/local/wegmans-use-of-biometric-technology-in-new-york-city-nyc-stores-raises-questions |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-07 |website=ABC 13 WHAM |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260106232650/https://13wham.com/news/local/wegmans-use-of-biometric-technology-in-new-york-city-nyc-stores-raises-questions |archive-date=6 Jan 2026}}</ref> He also notes that although biometric data is useful for authentication, it is not specific to one business or service; it can be used anywhere once captured.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharp |first=Brian |date=2026-01-07 |title=Why it matters that Wegmans and other retailers are gathering biometric data on shoppers |url=https://www.wxxinews.org/new-york-public-news-network/2026-01-07/why-it-matters-that-wegmans-and-other-retailers-are-gathering-biometric-data-on-shoppers |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-07 |website=WXXI News NPR |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260127035809/https://www.wxxinews.org/new-york-public-news-network/2026-01-07/why-it-matters-that-wegmans-and-other-retailers-are-gathering-biometric-data-on-shoppers |archive-date=27 Jan 2026}}</ref> This '''immutable and widely applicable''' data is a lucrative target for hackers, making it a '''near-inevitability''' that it will be leaked at some point in the future if enough companies collect biometric data.
 [[File:Wegmans biometric data notice.webp|alt=ATTENTION CUSTOMERS   Biometric identifier information collected at this location   Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. collects, retains, converts, stores, or shares customers' biometric identifier information which may include:   Facial Recognition, Eye Scans, Voiceprints   This is information that can be used to identify or help identify you. We use facial recognition technology to protect the safety and security of our patrons and employees, and do not lease, trade, or otherwise profit from the transfer of biometric identifier information.   [Wegmans logo]|thumb|Poster displayed outside Wegmans stores in New York City<ref name=":0" />]]