Technology

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7269: Relates to the security of connected devices

This bill requires manufacturers selling connected devices (like smart home gadgets or wearables) in New York to include reasonable security features. It mandates that security measures must be appropriate for the device's function and the data it handles, specifically to prevent unauthorized access, hacking, or data breaches. Key provisions include requiring unique default passwords or forcing users to set new login credentials during first use. The law explicitly excludes federal-regulated devices, HIPAA-covered health devices, third-party apps, and user modifications to device software. It does not create private lawsuits but grants enforcement authority solely to the Attorney General.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates security features like unique passwords to prevent breaches, directly enhancing cybersecurity and data privacy protections for connected devices.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 193: Relates to creating a cyber security enhancement fund and restricting the use of taxpayer moneys in paying ransoms

Creates a cyber security enhancement fund to be used for the purpose of upgrading cyber security in local governments, including but not limited to, villages, towns and cities with a population of one million or less; restricts the use of taxpayer moneys in paying ransoms in response to ransomware attacks.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates cybersecurity fund for local governments (funding essential program) and restricts ransom payments (fiscal responsibility).95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyCreates cyber security fund for local gov upgrades and restricts ransom payments, directly enhancing cybersecurity protections per topic indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3125: Relates to the use of automated decision tools by landlords for making housing decisions

This bill requires landlords using automated tools to screen housing applicants to conduct annual bias checks by independent auditors, ensuring the tools don't disproportionately harm protected groups like racial minorities or women. Landlords must publicly share summary results of these checks on their websites before using the tools and notify applicants about how the tools work, what data they use, and denial reasons. It directly affects landlords who deploy such technology and housing applicants whose applications are processed by these systems. The law mandates transparency about tool usage and provides applicants a 24-hour window to request human review if denied. Violations may trigger investigations by the attorney general.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires bias checks for automated tenant screening to prevent discrimination against protected groups, strengthening tenant protections and preventing housing discrimination.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires bias audits for AI housing tools to prevent discrimination, enhancing data privacy and digital rights protections for applicants.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights Artificial Intelligence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1813: Relates to collection, storage or transmission of personal information collected from smart home systems

Requires express and affirmative consent prior to collection, storage or transmittal of any personal information obtained from the installation or use of a smart home connected system by certain persons.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires express consent for smart home data collection, strengthening privacy protections per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8729: Relates to protecting safety and privacy by stopping the sale of location data

Prohibits the collection or processing of an individual's location information except for a permissible purpose; requires an entity collecting location information for the provision of multiple permissible purpose to maintain a location privacy policy obtain consent from the individual the information pertains to; prohibits the disclosure or sale of such information except for certain purposes; provides remedies for violations.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits location data sales and mandates consent, directly enhancing data privacy protections as a core technology policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8624: Requires social media networks to provide and maintain mechanisms for deleting individual accounts on their platform

Requires social media networks to provide and maintain mechanisms for deleting individual accounts on their platform; requires social media networks to have a clear and concise policy readily available and accessible on their website and application which includes how such social media network will delete individual user accounts and all associated personal data on their platform.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires social media to delete user accounts and personal data, directly enhancing data privacy protections as a core component of technology policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy Social Media

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6179: Relates to attachments to utility poles for broadband service

Relates to attachments to utility poles for broadband service; provides that for a broadband internet provider that does not provide regulated telephone service, a pole owner shall not require such broadband internet provider to obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity as a condition to making attachments to utility poles solely owned or jointly-owned by the pole owner.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRemoves regulatory barrier for broadband pole attachments, facilitating infrastructure expansion and internet access deployment.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8099: Provides regulatory control of Internet service providers by the public service commission, requires Internet neutrality and relates to the placement of equipment on utility poles

Provides regulatory control of Internet service providers by the public service commission; requires Internet neutrality; relates to the placement of equipment on utility poles.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires net neutrality, mandating open internet access and preventing ISP discrimination, directly supporting digital equity and consumer protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5156: Establishes the "It's Your Data Act"

Establishes the "It's Your Data Act" for the purposes of providing protections and transparency in the collection, use, retention, and sharing of personal information.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill establishes data privacy protections and transparency in personal information handling, directly supporting privacy safeguards under the topic.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5153: Relates to advanced metering infrastructure devices for residential services

This bill sets safety and performance standards for smart meters used by electric and gas utilities in residential settings. It requires all advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) devices to meet FCC, ANSI, and commission-established standards for radio frequency safety, meter accuracy, and customer data encryption. The law guarantees residential customers the right to refuse two-way smart meter installation without fees or penalties, and to request removal within 365 days of installation at no cost. Utilities must provide 90 days' written notice before installing two-way meters, detailing these customer rights.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires data encryption standards for smart meter data, protecting customer privacy per bill's safety/performance mandates.90% confidence

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