Technology

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5479: Relates to unauthorized use of a mobile telephone or any data contained therein

This bill clarifies that smartphones and mobile devices are legally defined as "computers" under New York's penal code. It adds a specific definition for "smart phone or mobile device" requiring features like portability, wireless operation, local storage, and built-in power. The change ensures existing laws against unauthorized computer access or data theft automatically apply to smartphones, affecting how such cases are prosecuted. It does not create new penalties but updates legal terminology to cover modern devices.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyClarifies smartphones as 'computers' under penal code, ensuring existing data theft laws apply to mobile devices, strengthening data privacy protections for users.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Telecommunications

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5434: Establishes the office of consumer data protection and imposes a tax on data controllers and data processors

Enacts the "data economy labor compensation and accountability act"; establishes the office of consumer data protection for the purpose of properly safeguarding personal data; imposes a tax on data controllers and data processors required to register with such office.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesImposes tax on data controllers to fund consumer data protection office, aligning with fiscal responsibility and funding essential regulatory programs.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyEstablishes data protection office and taxes data controllers to safeguard personal data, advancing privacy protections as per indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 8, 2025

S 140: Restricts the use of wireless communication devices by students on school property

Prohibits students from accessing their wireless communications devices on school property, unless authorized for classroom use; prohibits students from accessing social media platforms through the use of internet access provided by the school district, except when expressly directed to for class instruction.

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill explicitly restricts student access to wireless devices and social media on school property, limiting technology use and internet access except for classroom instruction.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Social Media Telecommunications

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8833: Establishes understanding artificial intelligence responsibility act

Establishes understanding artificial intelligence responsibility act requiring developers of covered models to be strictly liable for certain injuries.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires AI developers to be strictly liable for injuries, regulating tech companies for consumer protection.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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died · New York · Senate Feb 25, 2026

S 1961: Establishes the "secure our data act"

Establishes the "secure our data act"; relates to cybersecurity protection by state entities; requires the office of information technology services to develop standards for data protection of state entity-maintained information.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires state data protection standards, enhancing cybersecurity and data privacy measures for state entities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity Data Privacy

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 9028: Relates to use of virtual agents and AI tools in property searches

Requires real estate brokers and online housing platforms using virtual agents and AI tools to conduct a disparate impact analysis to assess the actual impact of any such virtual agent; requires such individuals to submit a summary of the most recent disparate impact analysis to the attorney general's office; requires online housing platforms using virtual agents to provide an option to communicate with a human representative; makes certain provisions requiring anti-discriminatory measures for virtual agents and AI tools.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires disparate impact analysis for AI in housing searches to prevent discrimination, directly supporting tenant protections and anti-discrimination housing measures.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates anti-discrimination analysis for AI tools in housing and requires human alternatives, regulating tech use for consumer protection and digital rights.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 9165: Requires social media platforms to remove content depicting the violent death of a human being within twenty-fours after receiving notice or otherwise becoming aware of such content

Requires social media platforms to remove content depicting the violent death of a human being within twenty-fours after receiving notice or otherwise becoming aware of such content; requires social media platforms to provide an easily accessible and usable mechanism for users to report such content.

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyMandates faster removal of violent content on social media, restricting platform content moderation discretion and imposing new obligations on tech platforms.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Social Media

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in committee · New York · Senate Apr 17, 2025

S 7476: Relates to social media open application programming

Relates to social media open application programming; requires social media platforms to implement and maintain a standards-based application programming interface that permits third-party applications to retrieve data at no cost to be used for the user's benefit and to provide certain information to users; requires social media companies to submit a report to the attorney general.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates social media platforms to provide open APIs for third-party data access at no cost for user benefit, promoting user control and innovation in digital services, aligning with data privacy and digital rights95% confidence

Sub-Topics Social Media

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in committee · New York · Senate May 19, 2026

S 8507: Enacts the "connected consumer product end of life disclosure act"

Enacts the "connected consumer product end of life disclosure act", relating to requiring manufacturers of connected consumer products to disclose for how long they will provide technical support, security updates, or bug fixes for the software, hardware, or firmware necessary for the product to securely function.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires manufacturers to disclose security update duration, enhancing cybersecurity and consumer protection for connected devices.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8103: Allows signatures secured through blockchain technology to be considered an electronic signature

Allows signatures, records and contracts secured through blockchain technology to be considered in an electronic form and to be an electronic record and signature; allows smart contracts to exist in commerce.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill legalizes blockchain signatures and smart contracts, advancing secure digital transactions and promoting tech adoption in commerce, aligning with cybersecurity and digital rights indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology

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