Technology

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6873: Relates to the use of voice recognition features on certain products

This bill requires companies selling voice-enabled devices (like smart speakers, TVs, or children's toys) to clearly inform users during setup that the device may record voice data. It bans companies from selling or using these voice recordings for advertising, whether the recordings are collected by the device manufacturer or a third party. The law also protects manufacturers from liability for third-party apps users choose to install. Violations can result in fines up to $2,500 per incident, enforced by New York's Attorney General. The bill directly affects device manufacturers and users of voice-recognition technology in New York.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires disclosure of voice recording, bans use of recordings for advertising, and protects user data privacy - clear consumer protection measure in tech regulation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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passed · New York · Senate Jun 12, 2025

S 3827: Relates to banning the use of biometric identifying technology in schools

Prohibits the use of biometric identifying technology in schools for any reason other than certain specified purposes; adds fingerprint identification of teachers, administrators and students for the purpose of securely logging into a digital device for academic and administrative purpose to allowable purposes.

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill explicitly bans biometric tech in schools except for secure device logins, restricting data collection to protect student privacy and limit technology use in education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection

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died · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6767: Relates to artificial intelligence companion models

Prohibits the provision of an artificial intelligence companion to a user unless such artificial intelligence companion contains a protocol for addressing possible suicidal ideation or self-harm expressed by a user, possible physical harm to others expressed by a user, and possible financial harm to others expressed by a user; requires certain notifications to certain users regarding crisis service providers and the non-human nature of such companion models.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates safety protocols for AI companions to address user harm, aligning with consumer protection regulations in digital rights and data privacy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 8470: Enacts the Robocall Identification and Notification for Guarding consumers Act

Requires voice service providers to display the level of STIR/SHAKEN authentication on incoming calls in an way understandable by the general public; requires voice service providers to file annual reports with the public service commission.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates STIR/SHAKEN authentication display for robocall identification, enhancing cybersecurity and consumer protection against fraudulent calls.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4937: Relates to certain economic development programs

Relates to certain economic development programs; requires reporting on the use of fiber-optic technology in certain economic development grant programs; adds access to high-speed broadband internet service as consideration in certain competitive grant projects.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates fiber-optic tech reporting and adds high-speed broadband access as grant consideration, directly advancing internet access expansion.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications Tags Economic Development

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passed · New York · Senate Jun 3, 2026

S 1422: Establishes the biometric identifier privacy act

Establishes the biometric identifier privacy act; requires private entities in possession of biometric identifiers or biometric information to develop a written policy establishing a retention schedule and guidelines for permanently destroying biometric identifiers and biometric information when the initial purpose for collecting or obtaining such identifiers or information has been satisfied or within three years of the individual's last interaction with the private entity, whichever occurs first.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates destruction of biometric data by private entities, directly strengthening data privacy protections under technology policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5044: Requires that internet providers who provide service in a municipality provide basic internet service to each residential dwelling or residential dwelling unit in that municipality at no cost

Requires that internet providers who provide service in a municipality provide basic internet service to each residential dwelling or residential dwelling unit in that municipality at no cost.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates free basic internet access for all residential units, directly expanding digital access and promoting equity per technology policy indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2487: Enacts the New York artificial intelligence ethics commission act

S 2487 establishes the New York Artificial Intelligence Ethics Commission to oversee ethical AI use within the state. The commission, composed of nine members appointed by state leaders, sets guidelines for AI development and deployment, reviews projects for compliance, handles complaints, and certifies ethical AI systems. It directly affects New York state agencies and private companies operating in the state that use AI, prohibiting discriminatory practices, unauthorized surveillance, privacy violations, and deceptive AI use. The commission can impose fines or injunctions for violations and must submit annual reports to the governor and legislature. This bill creates concrete oversight mechanisms to ensure AI systems comply with ethical standards before deployment.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill establishes a commission to oversee ethical AI use, set guidelines, and prohibit discriminatory practices and unauthorized surveillance, protecting data privacy and digital rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4938: Relates to requiring free internet service in households with students who live at or below the poverty level

Requires free internet service in households with students who live at or below the poverty level; directs broadband companies to install and/or upgrade broadband services in educational facilities.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires free internet for low-income students and upgrades school broadband, expanding digital access to education95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyThe bill expands internet access for low-income students and upgrades broadband in educational facilities, directly promoting digital equity within the technology topic.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Broadband Access Telecommunications

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passed · New York · Assembly Jan 28, 2025

K 57: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim January 27-31, 2025, as Data Privacy Week in the State of New York

This is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill) requesting Governor Hochul to proclaim January 27-31, 2025, as Data Privacy Week in New York. It aims to raise public awareness about protecting personal data online and encourages responsible data practices by businesses, aligning with National Data Privacy Week. The resolution does not create new laws or regulations - it simply asks the Governor to issue a formal proclamation recognizing the week. It directly affects all New Yorkers by promoting education on data privacy through state-level recognition.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyThe bill aims to raise public awareness about protecting personal data online and encourages responsible data practices, directly supporting data privacy within the Technology topic.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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