Amazon is facing a class-action lawsuit in New York City over allegations that the company failed to inform customers of the use of biometric tracking technology at its Amazon Go stores. The suit claims that Amazon did not notify customers that the technology was tracking their body shapes and palm prints. New York is the only major city in the US that requires businesses to post signs if they are using biometric information. Amazon’s Go stores were launched in 2018 and have ten locations in Manhattan. The lawsuit alleges that Amazon only recently put up signs notifying New York customers of its use of biometric recognition technology, more than a year after the law went into effect. This latest legal challenge comes amid growing concerns over the use of biometric data, and the need for more regulation around its collection and use.
Amazon Accused of Failing to Inform Customers About Biometric Tracking
Amazon is facing a class-action lawsuit in New York City, where lawyers allege that the company failed to notify customers of the use of biometric tracking technology at its Amazon Go stores. The suit claims that Amazon did not inform customers that the technology was tracking their body shapes and palm prints. New York is the only major city in the US that requires businesses to post signs if they are using biometric information, such as facial scans or fingerprints, thanks to a 2021 law.
Amazon’s Go stores were launched in 2018, promising customers a “cashier-less” shopping experience. Customers can take whatever products they want off the shelves and leave without checking out, as the company monitors their actions and charges their accounts later. According to the company website, Amazon has ten stores in Manhattan.
The lawsuit alleges that Amazon only recently put up signs notifying New York customers of its use of biometric recognition technology, more than a year after the law went into effect. The suit claims that for Amazon Go to track its customers and the items they take, it has to continuously monitor their bodies.
This latest legal challenge comes amid growing concerns over the use of biometric data, and the need for more regulation around its collection and use. The European Union recently proposed new regulations to curb the use of facial recognition technology, citing privacy concerns.
As the use of biometric tracking technology becomes more widespread, it is likely that we will see more legal challenges and regulatory interventions. Companies will need to ensure that they are fully compliant with local laws and regulations around the use of biometric data, and that they are transparent with customers about the use of such technology in their stores.
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