NYC Biometric Identifier Information Law (Local Law 3 of 2021)
New York City, NY · NYC Admin. Code §§ 22-1201–22-1205 (Local Law 3 of 2021)
NYC retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues that collect customers' biometric data (face scans, fingerprints, iris scans, voiceprints) must post clear signs at entrances disclosing it. Selling or otherwise profiting from customers' biometric data is flatly banned. Customers can sue: $500 per signage or negligent-sale violation and $5,000 per intentional or reckless sale, plus attorneys' fees.
Technical detail
Local Law 3 of 2021 (NYC Admin. Code §§ 22-1201–22-1205) requires conspicuous entrance signage by commercial establishments collecting customer biometric identifier information and prohibits any sale or profit from such data, with a private right of action (30-day cure period for signage claims only).
Who is protected: Customers of NYC entertainment venues, retail stores, and food and drink establishments
Who must comply: Commercial establishments operating in NYC (financial institutions exempt from signage rule; government use excluded)
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | New York City, NY |
|---|---|
| Level | City / local |
| Status | In effect |
| Protection strength | Stronger protection |
| Effective date | 2021-07-09 |
| Enacted | 2021-01-11 |
| Citation | NYC Admin. Code §§ 22-1201–22-1205 (Local Law 3 of 2021) |
| Enforced by | Private enforcement via courts; signage form prescribed by DCWP |
| Private right of action | Yes — individuals can sue |
| Penalties | $500 per signage violation (after cure); $500 per negligent sale; $5,000 per intentional/reckless sale; attorneys' fees and injunctive relief |
| Topics | biometric data · consumer data privacy · consumer protection · facial recognition |
| Last verified | 2026-06-11 |
| Official source | Local Law 3 of 2021, Local Laws of the City of New York ↗ |
More AI rules in New York City, NY
- NYC LL144 (original draft) · Repealed / replaced
- NYC Algorithmic Tools Reporting (LL35) · In effect
- NYC AI Action Plan · In effect
- NYC GUARD Act (Gov't AI Accountability) · In effect
- NYC EO 3 / Citywide AI Policy · In effect
- NYC AEDT Bias Audit Law (LL 144) · In effect
Related biometric data rules elsewhere
- Virginia § 15.2-1723.2 (facial recognition by local law enforcement, eff. July 1, 2026) · In effect
- Ban biometric recognition in public accommodations (Ban The Scan) · Proposed / pending
- Limit facial recognition in residential buildings (Ban The Scan) · Proposed / pending
- Texas v. Google · In effect
- Attorney General Ellison releases consumer alert on DHS' digital surveillance an · In effect
- FTC Commercial Surveillance ANPR · Proposed / pending
See something wrong or out of date? Submit a correction — every entry must carry a verifiable official source.