Several states have implemented some form of biometric privacy laws, with the gold standard coming from Illinois. Illinois' BIPA allows for private enforcement, stiff fines, and paying of attorney fees. BIPA prohibits collection, capture, purchasing or receiving a customer's biometric identifier/information. Safeguarding this data is perhaps more important than any other because it cannot be easily changed, if at all. Current lack of federal law and a patchwork of local regulations means that businesses and employees must be knowledgeable of rules and rights that affect them.

Travelport's recent survey found four trust gaps that exist between the travel industry and its consumers. One of those is data privacy, with only 40% of travelers currently trusting companies to responsibly use their data. While the majority of consumers are still not comfortable with companies using any shared data, they are most comfortable with them using data that was sourced from the company and not acquired from external companies or mining.

Restaurants have long focused on improving kitchen efficiencies, but they now need to also focus on data efficiencies. Analyzing sales and labor reports on a daily basis rather than weekly allows managers to make more timely decisions that impact revenue and profit. Data should also be presented in simple, meaningful terms which benefit managers and line staff. Owners and GMs need to foster a "data first" culture when seeking to improve efficiency, service, and value.

Like other QSR, Veggie Grill uses a combination of cashiers and kiosks to take orders. Their kiosks, however, have an option to use facial recognition, which aids in recognizing regulars and is able to suggest add-on items. Responding to the often repeated claim that kiosks will cost jobs, they argue that there is always a demand for the guest-facing experience, and that kiosks could contribute to greater demand for BOH staff.

Cecilia is bartending technology that uses AI to create an experience that is more personable than the Smart Bar. Cecilia's clients thus far seem to be large corporations (Microsoft, KPMG), but is being marketed for event rental, and used as an educational tool at FIU. Though no machine can replace human interactions, Cecilia provides a viable contactless service alternative.

This article from the CEO of PayBright discusses the many ways that restaurants can make their POS better at serving its employees. Options such as pre-calculated tip suggestions, flexible ordering options, cash discounts, and gift card management are all ways that more (tip) money can flow into servers' pockets. An intelligently managed POS can lead to happier (and retained) employees and a more efficient operation.

This study looks at Indian hospitality consumers' willingness to accept AI and its associated technology. Being that hospitality consumers are most interested in "fun and indelible stay experiences," AI for hospitality must provide service as great as or better than human professionals. Over time, it is the conclusion that AI can be welcome by most consumers of hospitality products and services.

Tastry uses sensory science, chemistry, and AI to help winemakers better cater to a specific palate, and consumers to better know which wines best match their taste.