NYC Council moves to ban stores from collecting biometric data
Mar 2nd 2026
Lawmakers are advancing a bill to ban businesses from using facial and voice recognition and to stop the sale of biometric data after retailers including Wegmans began storing shopper biometrics.
- City Council held a hearing on a bill to prohibit private businesses from using biometric tools such as facial and voice recognition in public accommodations.
- The measure was sponsored by Councilmember Shahana Hanif after reports that Wegmans began storing shopper biometric data at two New York City locations.
- Current rules require businesses to post notices when collecting biometric data, but the proposal would ban collection and bar selling, leasing, or trading biometric data for profit.
- The bill would also require written consent for any voluntary biometric use such as palm print payments.
- Supporters say the technology helps prevent retail theft, while opponents including the Security Industry Association call the ban government overreach and a reduction in security options, and Wegmans defends its limited use in higher-risk stores.