JPMorgan Chase has informed employees relocating to its new Manhattan headquarters they must submit biometric data, including fingerprints or eye scans, to enter the building. The policy, which marks the first such requirement among major U.S. banks, has sparked concerns over privacy and surveillance in the workplace. Internal communications confirm that staff assigned to the 60-story, $3 billion tower will be required to enroll in the system, though earlier drafts described it as voluntary. A company spokesperson declined to clarify data storage practices or retention timelines, citing security reasons. Some employees may retain the option of using a physical badge, but exemption criteria remain unspecified. The biometric access system is being implemented alongside a “Work at JPMC” smartphone app, which functions as a digital ID and internal service platform. The app allows staff to order meals, navigate the building, and manage visitor registrations. Biometric enrollment remains voluntary at other JPMorgan offices, including its London location, where hand-print scans are encrypted to prevent data access by the company.
