NYC Biometric Identifier Law (LL3)
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)
- Status
- In effect
- Took effect
- July 9, 2021
- Applies to
- Commercial establishments operating in NYC (financial institutions exempt from signage rule; government use excluded)
- Enforced by
- Private enforcement via courts; signage form prescribed by DCWP
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.
Who is protected: Customers of NYC entertainment venues, retail stores, and food and drink establishments
Legal 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).
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | New York City, NY |
|---|---|
| Level | City / local |
| Strength | Stronger |
| Enacted | January 11, 2021 |
| Citation | NYC Admin. Code §§ 22-1201–22-1205 (Local Law 3 of 2021) |
| 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 |
| Statute | Local Law 3 of 2021, Local Laws of the City of New York |
More AI rules in New York City, NY
- NYC DOE Generative AI Moratorium (K-8, 2026-27) · In effect
- NYC AI rental listing disclosure proposal (Mamdani, 2026) · Proposed / pending
- NYC schools generative AI moratorium through 8th grade (2026) · In effect
- NYC LL144 (original draft) · Repealed / replaced
- NYC Algorithmic Tools Reporting (LL35) · In effect
- NYC AI Action Plan · In effect
Related biometric data rules elsewhere
- Virginia § 15.2-1723.2 (facial recognition by local law enforcement, eff. July 1, 2026) · In effect
- Bristol VA PD facial recognition program (first VA local agency) · In effect
- Dallas PD Clearview AI facial recognition policy · 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
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