New York State considers using fingerprints to verify identity in tobacco shops

New York State Senator James Skoufis has introduced a new bill that aims to use fingerprints or other biometric data as a means of verifying identity when purchasing alcohol and tobacco products in hotels and tobacco shops.
Skoufis is evidently excited about this "high-tech" bill, stating that it will not only bring unprecedented convenience to consumers but also include robust privacy protections that will effectively address concerns regarding biometric privacy. However, this "innovative proposal" is not without opposition. Privacy experts have pointed out that these privacy issues must be prioritized before the widespread adoption of such biometric technologies.
Nevertheless, Skoufis confidently played the "precedent" card, mentioning the fingerprint verification systems already in use at Seattle's Centurylink and Safeco Fields, as well as facial recognition technologies used at some airports. He believes this is not a brand new attempt but rather an extension of existing practices.
Regarding concerns about the misuse of biometric data, Skoufis acknowledged that there are indeed problematic uses, but he emphasized that situations like age verification are completely safe. He explained, "We are not using facial recognition to catch criminals on the street, just for simple age verification."
It is worth noting that, unlike states such as Illinois and Washington, New York does not yet have a clear biometric data privacy law. However, to reassure the public, Skoufis has included protective measures in the bill: data must be encrypted and strictly prohibited from being sold to third parties.
Yet, Cobun Zweifel-Keegan, director of the International Association of Privacy Professionals, still seems uneasy about this. He worries that the bill does not clearly specify which entities will store this data and how long it will be retained.
In response, Skoufis emphasized that this project is entirely voluntary, and the New York State Liquor Authority will ensure the system's security and compliance. He stated, "I support innovation. When it comes to new technologies like this, as long as they benefit the public, I hope to find ways to implement them."