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AI Summary
This bill prohibits the use of facial recognition technology for tracking COVID-19 infections or exposures in New York.
Business Impact
If you operate a state agency in New York, you must stop using facial recognition technology for COVID-19 tracking immediately or face penalties.
What do these statuses mean? ▼
Introduced
— Filed in the legislature; not yet heard in committee
In Committee
— Assigned to and being reviewed by a legislative committee
Passed
— Approved by one or both chambers; awaiting further action
Signed / Enacted
— Signed into law by the governor; may or may not be in effect yet
Dead / Vetoed
— Vetoed, failed to pass, or session expired without action
Unknown
— Status data not yet available or awaiting classification
Affected Industries
Topics How we classify →
What This Means
The proposed legislation in New York aims to ban the use of facial recognition technology in tracking COVID-19 cases. This law would apply to individuals and state agencies, ensuring that personal identification through facial recognition is not used in the context of the pandemic. The bill outlines penalties for violations, emphasizing the state's commitment to privacy and civil rights.
Key Provisions
- Prohibits any person or state agency from using facial recognition technology to track COVID-19.
- Defines facial recognition technology as automated identification based on facial characteristics.
- Allows the attorney general to seek injunctions and impose civil penalties for violations.
Latest Legislative Action
REFERRED TO INTERNET AND TECHNOLOGY
Bill Sponsors
| Name | Role | District |
|---|---|---|
| Kevin Thomas D | Sponsor | SD-006 |
Compliance Checklist
Cease the use of facial recognition technology for COVID-19 tracking
Who: All state agencies and departments in New York
Penalty: Up to $5,000 for each violation
Who: All state agencies and departments in New York
Penalty: Up to $5,000 for each violation
Full Legal Analysis
The bill S8311 seeks to amend the civil rights law by adding a new section that explicitly prohibits the use of facial recognition technology for tracking individuals infected with or exposed to COVID-19. This prohibition applies to any person or state agency, department, or office, thereby encompassing a wide range of potential users of this technology. The bill empowers the attorney general to seek injunctions against violators and allows for civil penalties of up to $5,000 for each violation, reinforcing the seriousness of compliance. The definition of 'facial recognition technology' is clearly outlined, focusing on automated or semi-automated identification processes based on facial characteristics. This legislation reflects a growing trend in various states to regulate the use of surveillance technologies, particularly in sensitive contexts such as public health.
Official Source
Official Bill Text
View S8311 on official legislature website →
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