Anyone entering the store could have data on their face, eyes and voices collected and stored by the Rochester-headquartered supermarket chain. The information is used to “protect the safety and security of our patrons and employees,” according to the signage. The new scanning policy is an expansion of a 2024 pilot.
NYC NOW · MARCH 11 2026
0:00
IMPACT
- CBS New York — On Gothamist’s report of facial recognition software at Wegmans’ Brooklyn and Manhattan stores.
- ABC7 New York — Covered biometric signage at Wegmans locations first reported by Gothamist, including conflicting statements from the company.
- Grocery Dive — Trade outlet placed Gothamist’s Wegmans findings in the context of the retail industry’s broader shift toward biometric surveillance.
- Investigative Post — Buffalo’s nonprofit newsroom expanded on Gothamist’s investigation into Wegmans’ data collection practices.
- Biometric Update — Industry site covered the NYC Council hearing that followed Gothamist’s Wegmans coverage.
- Central Current — Central New York outlet on a state senator’s bill targeting biometric surveillance, citing Wegmans and Gothamist’s reporting.
