New York City Council is considering legislation that would ban businesses from using biometric recognition technology to identify customers. The proposed laws would also ban the technology in residential buildings.

The legislation is a reiteration of bills heard last year. New York City Council Member Shahana Hanif said renewed concerns make passing the laws more urgent.

According to the legislative summary, the proposed laws would outlaw use of biometric recognition technology to identify customers.

It would also require places or providers of public accommodation to notify customers if biometric tech is being used. Written consent would be required before the tech could be used. Any information collected must be protected and written policies regarding its use would have to be published.

Hanif cited the Federal Trade Commission’s finding that RiteAid used facial recognition technology to falsely accuse people of colour and women of shoplifting.

Council Member Jennifer Gutierrez said the committee was disappointed in the inability of the city’s chief information security officer to provide specific information about how her office protects city and critical infrastructure systems.

A spokesperson for the Security Industry Association, Jake Parker, argued that a ban would prevent New Yorkers from using biometric technologies to protect themselves and their property. The proposed legislation would allow businesses that need biometric technology to carry out core functions to continue to use it, but they would be required to protect collected data and publish policies on its use.