Technology

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5065: Directs the public service commission to formulate a process, rules and regulations for the regulation of the charges and fees of internet and cable providers

Directs the public service commission to formulate a process, rules and regulations for the regulation of the charges and fees of internet and cable providers.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRegulates internet provider fees for consumer protection, aligning with indicators to advance affordable access and prevent price gouging.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4778: Establishes a tax on digital ads

S 4778 establishes a 7% tax on digital advertising revenue exceeding $100 million annually for companies operating in New York. It directly affects large digital ad platforms (like social media or search engines) that use personal data for targeted ads, requiring businesses with over $1 million in New York digital ad revenue to file annual tax returns. The tax applies to "annual gross revenues" from digital ads in the state, defined as income before expenses, and takes effect for 2026 tax years. This policy creates a new revenue source by taxing a specific digital business model, avoiding traditional sales tax loopholes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill imposes new 7% tax on digital ad revenue for large platforms, directly generating state tax revenue to strengthen fiscal management and budget resources.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill taxes digital ads using personal data for targeted advertising, directly targeting a practice tied to data privacy concerns and aligning with regulatory measures for consumer protection.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Data Privacy Social Media

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4902: Requires cell towers to be equipped with a back-up power source in case of a power outage

This bill requires owners and operators of large outdoor cell towers (called "macro cell tower sites") in New York to install backup power systems capable of maintaining service for at least 72 hours during power outages. It applies to new installations and replacements of existing backup systems, but does not require updates to towers already equipped with backup power before the law takes effect. The backup systems must use renewable energy, fuel cells, or energy storage, excluding rooftop, small cell, or indoor antenna systems. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates renewable energy use for cell tower backup systems, advancing clean energy infrastructure and aligning with renewable energy promotion indicators.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyEnsures continuous cell service during outages, supporting reliable internet access infrastructure through backup power requirements for cell towers.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Resilience Energy Storage Renewable Energy Telecommunications

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5126: Relates to implementing provisions to protect credit reports of certain consumers

This bill creates new protections for credit reports of minors under 16 and incapacitated adults with legal guardians. It requires credit reporting agencies to place a security freeze (a block on sharing credit information) upon request by a parent, guardian, or other authorized representative who provides proof of identity and legal authority. The freeze prevents agencies from releasing the consumer's credit report or derived information without explicit authorization. These protections remain in effect until the consumer or their representative requests removal with the required documentation.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates security freezes for minors/incapacitated adults' credit reports, enhancing data privacy protections per topic description.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection

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in committee · New York · Senate Jun 5, 2026

S 2107: Relates to electronic signatures on the form MV-82, application for registration/title

This bill requires New York's Motor Vehicle Commissioner to accept electronic signatures on all vehicle-related documents, including titles, registrations, and odometer disclosures. It defines electronic signatures as digital marks with intent to sign and mandates that the commissioner accept them whether submitted online or printed after electronic signing. The law specifies security requirements, such as verifying user identity and retaining system data for five years, while ensuring electronic signatures cannot be reused without authorization. This change directly affects drivers, dealers, and the DMV by modernizing document processing without eliminating paper options.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates electronic signatures with security requirements (identity verification, data retention), advancing digital transaction adoption and enhancing cybersecurity for government services.85% confidence

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failed · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5336: Establishes the class A misdemeanor of unlawful dissemination of a security body scan

Bill A 5336 establishes a new class A misdemeanor crime called "unlawful dissemination of a security body scan." This bill makes it illegal for a person to knowingly share a body scan, or any images from it, that was taken for legal security purposes without the permission of the individual who was scanned. The offense occurs if the scan is shared with someone not authorized to receive it by state or federal law. This measure aims to protect individuals by criminalizing the unauthorized distribution of these sensitive images.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new misdemeanor for unauthorized body scan sharing, expanding criminalization without reform context85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyCriminalizes unauthorized sharing of security body scans, directly protecting personal data privacy under cybersecurity/data protection frameworks.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 8223: Prohibits the use of a facial recognition system by a landlord on any residential premises

This bill prohibits landlords from using facial recognition systems on residential properties in New York. It bans landlords from obtaining, accessing, or using facial recognition technology or any data collected through it on apartments, houses, or other residential units. The law allows the state Attorney General to seek court injunctions and impose civil penalties up to $10,000 for violations, and gives affected tenants the right to sue for $1,000 per violation or actual damages. It directly affects all landlords in residential buildings and aims to prevent the use of this technology for identifying or analyzing tenants' facial features.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBans landlord use of facial recognition, protecting tenant privacy and security in residential housing, aligning with tenant protection indicators.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits facial recognition use by landlords, protecting tenant data privacy from biometric surveillance per topic description's data privacy focus.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Tenant Rights Emerging Technology

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1360: Establishes a process for the regulation of collecting, recording, and disclosing confidential information by state employees

S 1360 establishes strict rules for state employees handling confidential information like health status, immigration details, or crime victim records. It requires written approval from designated agency "access officers" before any disclosure (except for legal requirements or criminal investigations), prohibits unnecessary collection of such data, and bans line workers from sharing confidential details without prior written authorization. The bill directly affects all state employees interacting with the public (e.g., in benefits or social services) and agencies providing state services. Key provisions include limiting disclosures to what's legally required, mandating written consent for individual disclosures, and imposing civil penalties of up to $1,000 for violations.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly protects health status information via strict disclosure rules and written approval requirements, aligning with patient privacy rights in healthcare.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill restricts disclosure of immigration details without authorization, protecting immigrant confidentiality and limiting unauthorized sharing with enforcement agencies.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates strict protocols for handling confidential data, prohibiting unnecessary collection and requiring authorization - directly protecting data privacy per topic description.85% confidence

Tags Government Transparency

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 387: Relates to making certain public records available on the internet

S 387 requires state and local government agencies, as well as certain non-governmental entities performing public functions (like school districts or public authorities), to proactively publish specific public records online. It defines "publishable state data" as records that can be shared without violating privacy, safety, or legal restrictions. Agencies must make these records accessible via the internet within 60 days of the law's effective date, following rules established by the Open Government Committee. This shifts transparency from reactive requests under existing law to a system where relevant documents are automatically published online for public access.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates government publication of public records online, expanding access to information via internet and supporting technology use for transparency without privacy violations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Digital Government Tags Government Transparency

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 8, 2025

S 859: Limits robocalls to state residents and requires telephone service providers to offer free call mitigation technology to telephone customers

This bill, S 859 (the "robocall prevention act"), limits unsolicited robocalls to New York residents and requires phone companies to provide free call-blocking technology. It bans most robocalls unless made with a resident's prior consent, for emergencies, by labor organizations to members, or as permitted by regulations. Telephone service providers must offer free call mitigation technology that blocks unwanted robocalls while allowing emergency calls to go through. The law directly affects New York residents receiving calls and all telephone service providers operating in the state.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires free call-blocking tech to prevent robocalls, enhancing cybersecurity and consumer protection against spam calls.90% confidence

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