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S.T.O.P. Applauds NYC Council Ban On Surveillance Pricing, Renews Call To Ban Facial Rec. In Public Accommodations
(New York, NY, 11/13/2026) – Today, the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project (S.T.O.P.), a New York-based privacy and civil rights group, applauds the New York City Council for passing legislation banning surveillance pricing both online and in stores. Supported by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the bill allows the City to fine companies up to $1,000 per violating transaction. S.T.O.P. condemns surveillance pricing as predatory surveillance capitalism that turns consumers’ own data against them, letting corporations quietly raise prices on everything from groceries to rideshares. The civil rights group renewed its call for the New York City Council to go further in protecting customers by banning facial recognition and other biometric surveillance in public accommodations.
SEE: Gothamist – NYC Council passes ban on ‘surveillance pricing’ that relies on personal data
https://gothamist.com/news/nyc-council-passes-ban-on-surveillance-pricing-that-relies-on-personal-data
“It’s no secret that New York is expensive, and this bill is a big win for working New Yorkers struggling to pay for groceries and other daily needs,” said Surveillance Technology Oversight Project Executive Director Michelle Dahl. “Surveillance pricing is surveillance capitalism on overdrive, and we applaud the City Council for taking a stand against companies exploiting our sensitive data for profit. But the fight against discriminatory surveillance doesn’t stop at pricing. As long as stores like Wegmans can scan our faces at the door, New Yorkers will be tracked, profiled, and put at risk every time we shop. With Mayor Mamdani’s support, now is the time for the City Council to ban facial recognition and other biometric surveillance in stores, arenas, and all public accommodations across the city.”
Last week, S.T.O.P. and fellow advocate members of the Ban The Scan coalition applauded Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s endorsement of Intro 0213, a City Council bill sponsored by Councilmember Shahana Hanif banning the use of facial recognition and other biometric surveillance in sports arenas, grocery stores, and all other public accommodations in New York City.
SEE: Press Release - S.T.O.P., Ban The Scan Coalition Applaud Mamdani Endorsement of City Council Bill Banning Facial Rec. In Public Accommodations
https://www.stopspying.org/content-input/stop-ban-the-scan-coalition-applaud-mamdani-endorsement-of-city-council-bill-banning-facial-recnbspin-public-accommodations
In October 2024, S.T.O.P. condemned Wegmans’ launch of a facial recognition pilot at its Brooklyn store, warning the software puts employees’ and customers’ sensitive biometric data at risk. Earlier this year, Wegmans posted signs at its Manhattan and Brooklyn stores disclosing that it collects shoppers’ biometric data, sparking intense public backlash.
SEE: Press Release – S.T.O.P. Condemns Brooklyn Wegmans Facial Recognition Pilot
https://www.stopspying.org/content-input/2024/10/24/stop-condemns-brooklyn-wegmans-facial-recognition-pilot
Gothamist – NYC Wegmans is storing biometric data on shoppers’ eyes, voices and faces
https://gothamist.com/news/nyc-wegmans-is-storing-biometric-data-on-shoppers-eyes-voices-and-faces
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.
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