S.T.O.P. Condemns Brooklyn Wegmans Facial Recognition Pilot

S.T.O.P. condemns the launch of a facial recognition pilot at a Brooklyn Wegmans to scan grocery store employees.

View this email in your browser For Immediate Release S.T.O.P. Condemns Brooklyn Wegmans Facial Recognition Pilot (New York, NY, 10/24/2024) - Today, the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project (S.T.O.P.), a New York-based privacy and civil rights group, condemns the launch of a facial recognition pilot at a Brooklyn Wegmans to scan grocery store employees. The pilot comes as Congressmember Rashida Tlaib has raised concern that Kroger’s rollout of facial recognition will lead to surge pricing at their grocery stores. Wegmans launched the pilot despite years of evidence that facial recognition scans, particularly in retail settings, are racially biased and fuel false arrests. S.T.O.P. also warned the use of facial recognition on employees promotes harmful workplace surveillance. SEE: Eater New York - Brooklyn Wegmans Pilots Facial Recognition Amid Fears of Dynamic Pricing https://ny.eater.com/2024/10/24/24278212/brooklyn-wegmans-facial-recognition CBS News - Rep. Rashida Tlaib voices concern that Kroger's facial recognition could open door for price gouging https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/tlaib-kroger-price-gouging-facial-recognition/ “Nobody wants their Wegmans sushi with a side of surveillance,” said Surveillance Technology Oversight Project Communications Director Will Owen. “This is a workplace and retail surveillance gimmick with no added benefit, putting employees' and customers' sensitive biometric data at risk. No one, and in this case essential workers, should have to hand over their face simply to do their job. It’s clearer than ever that the New York City Council must pass Intro. 217 to ban facial recognition in public accommodations.” SEE: The New York City Council - Int 0217-2024   https://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6557556&GUID=E67A1D7D-5245-4373-B5FF-1AD968E3383F In March, the civil rights group condemned New York State’s funding of a facial recognition pilot program at New York City bodegas. Last fall, S.T.O.P. joined 31 civil rights groups in submitting a memo of support demanding the New York City Council pass two pending bills banning facial recognition and other biometric technologies in residential buildings and public accommodations, such as grocery stores and arenas. SEE: Press Release - S.T.O.P. Condemns State-Funded Bodega Facial Recognition Pilot https://www.stopspying.org/latest-news/2024/3/27/stop-condemns-state-funded-bodega-facial-recognition-pilot Press Release - 32 Civil Rights Groups Demand NYC Council Ban Facial Recognition https://www.stopspying.org/latest-news/2023/9/26/32-civil-rights-groups-demand-nyc-council-ban-facial-recognition The Surveillance Technology Oversight Project is a non-profit advocacy organization and legal services provider. S.T.O.P. litigates and advocates for privacy, fighting excessive local and state-level surveillance. Our work highlights the discriminatory impact of surveillance on Muslim Americans, immigrants, and communities of color. --END-- CONTACT: S.T.O.P. Executive Director Albert Fox Cahn  Copyright © 2021 Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, All rights reserved. Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.