Connecticut State Senators Bob Duff and James Maroney are set to introduce legislation next month that would ban the use of facial recognition technology in retail stores across the state. The move comes as concerns grow over privacy and the unregulated use of biometric data collected from shoppers.
Key Takeaways
- A bill to ban facial recognition in Connecticut retail stores will be introduced in the upcoming legislative session.
- Retailers like ShopRite and Wegmans currently use the technology for security purposes.
- Concerns include data ownership, storage duration, potential sale to third parties, and misuse for dynamic pricing.
- Lawmakers plan public hearings and input from experts, retailers, and customers to find a workable compromise.
Privacy Versus Security
State Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff stated that while he understands the need for security, the current implementation of facial recognition technology raises significant privacy issues. "Nobody signed up for a facial scan when they go to buy milk and eggs at the store, so we need to have disclosure," Duff commented. He highlighted the lack of regulation surrounding the technology, questioning who owns the collected data, how long it is stored, whether it is sold to third parties, and if it could be used for practices like dynamic pricing.
Retailer Perspectives
While major chains like Stop & Shop and Stew Leonard’s reportedly do not use facial recognition, other retailers employ it for security. A ShopRite spokesperson explained that the technology helps identify organized retail crime and repeat offenders, allowing security to respond more effectively. They stated that data is used solely for security, shared with law enforcement only in cases of crime, regularly deleted, and never sold.
Wegmans confirmed using facial recognition at some locations with "elevated risk" and stated that data is not shared with third parties at those stores. However, the company declined to specify if the Norwalk location uses the technology, citing security and safety reasons for not disclosing specific measures.
Public Reaction
Shoppers expressed mixed feelings. Some, like Agapi Theodoridou, voiced strong opposition, stating, "I don’t like it, it’s invading my privacy. I don’t trust them." Others, such as Gene Cronin, acknowledged the potential benefits for security, provided the technology is not misused. Robert Luzzi, a Wegmans shopper, emphasized the need for transparency, saying, "At least they should say so people have the opportunity to react accordingly."
Path Forward
Senator Duff indicated that the legislative process will involve public hearings and input from various stakeholders, including experts, retailers, and customers. The goal is to explore potential compromises and ensure a balance between security needs and personal privacy rights.
Sources
- News 12 | Connecticut | State senators to introduce bill banning facial recognition technology in Connecticut
retail stores, News12 | Connecticut.
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