Monroe County lawmakers are considering a local law that would require retailers to tell customers when biometric identification technology is being used in stores.
Legislator Rachel Barnhart introduced a proposal earlier this year in February requiring commercial establishments to present an in-store notice of their use of biometric technology to customers.
Her proposal came after Wegmans confirmed that they use cameras at some of their stores to help identify individuals who pose a risk to people, customers or operation.
Wegmans said in a statement that “the technology is solely used for keeping their stores secure and safe. Images and video are retained only as long as necessary for security purposes and then disposed of.”
The proposed bill does not ban facial recognition or biometric technology; it focuses on transparency.
Barnhart described how biometric identifier information differed from other forms of consumer data and why transparency and notice are essential to customers.
“[Biometric data] is derived from a person’s physical or biological characteristics and may be difficult or impossible to replace if compromised,” Barnhart said in her proposal. “Unlike a password or credit card number, biometric data is immutable.”
A public hearing for the bill has been scheduled for Aug. 11 allowing people to comment before legislature votes on the bill.
— Kerria Weaver works as the Government and You reporter for the Democrat and Chronicle, with a focus on how government actions affect communities and neighborhoods in Rochester and in Monroe County.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Monroe County weighs facial-recognition disclosure law
Reporting by Kerria Weaver, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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By Kerria Weaver, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle | USA TODAY Network
