Wegmans rolls out facial scanning at stores it deems ‘elevated risk’

Wegmans is now using facial scanners to collect and store biometric data from shoppers at stores it says have an "elevated risk", Independent.co reports.

Signs at some New York City entrances note that cameras inside scan faces and store information, prompting privacy concerns from customers. Shopper Deborah Tozzi asked, "Why are they watching me?" and said she would not have noticed the sign placed off to the side of automatic entrance doors. A Wegmans spokesperson said the chain does not share the data with third parties and that the system is used only to identify people who have "previously been flagged for misconduct." The company said it has only begun implementing face scans, does not collect retinal scans or voiceprints, and retains images and video "only as long as necessary for security purposes," but would not disclose the exact retention period.

Some customers and regulars reacted with resignation or support: an Uber driver who shops there said he expects the software will catch casual shoplifters, while others said similar technology is becoming common in public spaces. Wegmans also said the technology is used on a "case-by-case-basis" according to decisions by its asset protection team, leaving some details about future use and scope unspecified.

Key Topics

Tech, Wegmans, Facial Recognition, Biometric Data, New York City, Asset Protection Team