New York City grocers are pushing back against a proposed ban on facial recognition technology, arguing it's a crucial tool to combat the escalating shoplifting crisis. CEO of Ferreira Foodtown, Jason Ferreira, voiced his concerns on Fox & Friends, highlighting the severity of the issue and how it impacts businesses like his, which has operated for over 45 years.
He emphasized that shoplifting is at an all-time high, affecting everyone from professional thieves to opportunistic individuals, regardless of age. The proposed legislation would mandate written consent from customers for biometric data collection, effectively rendering facial recognition unusable for theft prevention in supermarkets.
While proponents of the ban cite concerns about racial profiling and potential misuse, Ferreira contends that this is a mischaracterization. He views the technology as a significant investment to enhance customer safety and shopping experience. He joined a coalition of independent grocers earlier this year, pressing lawmakers and law enforcement for action on the rampant crime plaguing the city.
Their efforts to engage with officials in Albany and the mayor's office have yielded little progress, leaving grocers frustrated by the lack of response. Ferreira describes a cycle of inaction, with law enforcement deferring to legislators and vice-versa, while the problem continues to worsen.
The proposed bill carries a hefty $5,000 fine per violation, plus legal fees, and has garnered support from 15 city legislators. The future of the legislation and its potential impact on businesses remains uncertain.
