Erie County biometric privacy bill signed into law today

Added: 2026-06-01

[00:00:00]Businesses in Erie County are now barred from collecting, storing, using, and selling a customer's biometric information like your fingerprints, facial scans, and other unique characteristics. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz signing the first of its kind law in New York State just today.

[00:00:18]It applies to all businesses from big box stores to mom-and-pops.

[00:00:22]Businesses will be required to report whether they use this kind of data and end the practice within 30 days or face steep fines. Surveillance cameras are still allowed but recognition features, well, they won't be. Carve outs have been made for government agencies, financial institutions, law enforcement, and for verification like Face ID.

[00:00:43]You can reset a password. You cannot reset your face.

[00:00:47]Biometric information cannot simply be changed if it's compromised. It is permanent, personal, and deserves strong protections.

[00:00:55]Businesses looking to learn more about how the new law may apply to them, well, they can reach out to the Erie County Division of Consumer Protection or head to Erie.gov/biometrics.