Technology

in committee · New York · Senate Feb 27, 2025

S 603: Enacts the "wireless broadband eligible facility permitting act" to provide for uniform regulation of certain wireless facilities

This bill creates a uniform statewide process for approving certain wireless infrastructure upgrades, specifically exempting "eligible modifications" from local zoning and permitting requirements. It directly affects telecom companies seeking to add antennas, replace equipment, or remove old gear on existing towers or base stations (without changing their physical size). Key provisions allow these upgrades to be handled through a simplified municipal building inspector process instead of full zoning reviews, while preserving local authority over new construction and substantial changes. The law defines "eligible" modifications narrowly to exclude height increases exceeding 10% or 10 feet. Municipalities retain power to regulate other aspects of wireless facility siting under existing laws.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyStreamlines wireless infrastructure approvals to expand broadband access, directly advancing technology deployment for internet connectivity.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6491: Prohibits the creation and dissemination of synthetic media within sixty days of an election with intent to unduly influence the outcome of an election

Prohibits the creation and dissemination of synthetic media within sixty days of an election with intent to unduly influence the outcome of an election; makes such act a class E felony.

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill restricts synthetic media (a technology application) in elections, limiting its use to prevent misinformation, directly restricting a technology's deployment.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2064: Requires state agencies to make available all public documents in a digital format on their website

Requires state agencies to make available all public documents in a digital format on their website in a manner that allows such documents to be printed; provides that no document required by law to remain confidential shall be deemed a public document.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates digital public document access, enhancing digital equity and online information availability per bill's requirement for state agency digital formats.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Digital Government

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1071: Prohibits the knowing and reckless promotion of unlawful or false material and providing remedies for the violation of such prohibition

This bill (A 1071) prohibits individuals or entities from knowingly or recklessly promoting content that: (1) advocates force likely to incite imminent lawless action, (2) advocates self-harm likely to cause immediate harm, or (3) spreads false medical claims endangering public health. It specifically targets content amplified by algorithms prioritizing engagement over time/date, affecting platforms and creators who distribute such material. Violations are deemed public nuisances, allowing the Attorney General or local prosecutors to seek injunctions, restitution, or damages. Affected parties can also sue for damages if harmed by prohibited content, with enforcement handled through state/federal courts.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill targets false medical claims endangering public health, directly protecting public health initiatives by prohibiting harmful misinformation.90% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill restricts tech platforms' algorithmic promotion of harmful content, imposing liability for engagement-driven distribution of unlawful/false material, directly limiting platform operations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health Social Media

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4736: Relates to the "driver's license access and privacy act"

Authorizes the department of motor vehicles to issue standard drivers' licenses; restricts what information can be retained and given out on those applying or holding standard drivers' licenses.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationRestricts sharing of license data, limiting state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement - a key indicator for supporting immigrant rights.80% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRestricts DMV data retention/disclosure, directly protecting personal information privacy per bill's summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licenses & IDs

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in committee · New York · Senate Jun 4, 2026

S 6438: Promotes consumer choice by requiring manufacturers of digital electronic equipment to provide retail sellers with a one through ten repair score that will be displayed to consumers at point of sale

Promotes consumer choice by requiring manufacturers of digital electronic equipment to provide retail sellers with a repair score that will be displayed to consumers at point of sale.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires manufacturers to display repair scores for digital devices, promoting consumer choice and right-to-repair, aligning with tech regulation for consumer protection.85% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8917: Prohibits employers from using workplace surveillance tools to surveil employees in private, off-duty areas or a worker's residence, vehicle or property

Prohibits employers from using workplace surveillance tools to surveil employees in private, off-duty areas or a worker's residence, vehicle or property; defines terms; establishes penalties for violations of such provisions.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProhibits employer surveillance in private off-duty areas, directly protecting workers' privacy rights and strengthening workplace privacy protections.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits employer surveillance in private areas, directly protecting employee data privacy under technology policy.95% confidence

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passed · New York · Senate Jun 3, 2026

S 6130: Relates to the consumer protection division in the department of state

Requires the consumer protection division to establish a process by which any state agency or third party, pursuant to an interagency agreement with the division for the purposes of fraud prevention, identity verification, and ensuring the integrity or security of individual identities, to grant access to verify New York resident identities via a secure comparison process against state systems.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates secure identity verification process for fraud prevention and identity security, directly enhancing cybersecurity measures under technology policies.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Tags Consumer Protection

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in committee · New York · Assembly May 19, 2026

A 5455: Requires the office for the prevention of domestic violence provide informational materials on removing an abuser's access to a smart home

Requires the office for the prevention of domestic violence provide informational materials on removing an abuser's access to a smart home and the use of other technology for harassment.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill provides guidance on securing smart home devices to prevent tech-enabled harassment, enhancing data privacy and cybersecurity protections for domestic violence victims.90% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6340: Relates to conducting unlawful surveillance by use of a drone

S 6340 makes it a crime to secretly use drones to photograph or record people in places where they reasonably expect privacy, such as their homes or yards. This law directly affects drone operators who intentionally capture images or video without a person's knowledge or consent. The bill adds a new section to the penal law defining this as "unlawful surveillance in the second degree," criminalizing the act of using aerial imaging technology for surreptitious observation. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProtects privacy rights by criminalizing secret drone surveillance in private spaces, enhancing civil liberties in law enforcement interactions92% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyCriminalizes secret drone surveillance in private spaces, directly strengthening data privacy protections against unauthorized aerial monitoring.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology

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