Facial recognition in US retailers raises privacy concerns

Wegmans and other U.S. retailers have deployed facial-recognition systems in a small number of stores, and privacy advocates and some lawmakers say oversight, accuracy and transparency are limited.

Retail chains have begun deploying facial-recognition systems in a limited number of U.S. stores. Wegmans confirmed it uses facial recognition in a small fraction of locations, including stores in New York City, and said the technology is used to identify people previously flagged for misconduct. The company said images are retained "as long as necessary" for security and that it posts signage where local law requires notification. Privacy groups and some lawmakers say oversight and enforcement are weak and are calling for clearer rules. Key knowns: - Wegmans has acknowledged using facial-recognition systems in a small number of stores, including in Manhattan and Brooklyn, and says the technology is used for security purposes. - The company says it retains images for security reasons and does not share biometric data with third parties, while noting facial recognition is one investigative lead rather than the sole basis for action. - Civil liberties groups point to past cases of flawed matches that led to wrongful detentions and to studies showing higher error rates for women and people of color. - Lawmakers in New York, Connecticut and elsewhere are considering new transparency or restriction measures, and critics describe current enforcement as limited. Summary: The use of facial-recognition technology in everyday retail settings has raised concerns about accuracy, data retention and potential profiling. Officials at affected retailers describe the systems as security tools and say they comply with required notice rules. Lawmakers and privacy advocates are pursuing discussion of new transparency and restriction measures, and the regulatory outcome is still under consideration.