New York . Facial recognition technology in entertainment venues and other businesses is being discussed at a New York City Council hearing on Friday.
In 2021, in response to the growing number of businesses using the technology, New York City passed a law requiring businesses using facial recognition to notify customers of its use.
After Madison Square Garden came under fire for using ID on the façade, city officials may try to go one step further.
"As more organizations acquire facial recognition technology, the potential for abuse increases," said Councilor Marjorie Velasquez, chair of the Consumer and Employee Protection Committee.
At trial, Velasquez asked industry experts to discuss the risks of facial recognition technology.
"Face ID relies on a large amount of dynamic personal data, which makes the system a target for security breaches and data breaches," Velasquez said.
MSG and Radio City Music Hall were criticized for using front labels. The president of the bar, James Dolan, admits that the lawyers working for the company have stopped suing their company for using the technology.
Some of the city's leaders believe they have crossed the line.
"As a city, we must do everything we can to protect the privacy and information of New Yorkers and prevent these products from being used in ways that harm consumers and employees," Velasquez said.
Public defender Juman Williams echoes this.
"There's a point where the private and public really intersect and we can't let that get out of control and the government has to step in," Williams said.
Attorney Samuel Davis, founding partner of the law firm whose employee Kelly Conlon was fired from Radio City late last year for meeting with the firm during the MSG trial, said he would fight for transparency.
"If you allow facial recognition, tell people. Give people a chance," Davis said during the trial.
New York Attorney General Letitia James recently said facial recognition technology could violate anti-discrimination laws , which the Dolan estate uses to limit access to nearly 100 law firms.
State Senator Brad Hoylman-Segal told CBS2 that he has introduced a bill that would amend civil rights law to stop arresting people with valid tickets.
"Basically, when you walk into Madison Square Garden, you're treated as a suspect immediately," Holman-Segal said.
"Facial recognition technology does not store images of people who are at risk if they have been notified not to enter our premises or who are at risk due to prior breaches at our facilities. We use facial recognition technology in compliance with all applicable laws," an MSG Entertainment representative told CBS2. .
Appearing on WFAN a few weeks ago, Dolan said his company doesn't use facial recognition technology on fans in Paradise unless it's "a conflict with another fan, a conflict with staff, a conflict, sorry." owner"
Most board members and attendees agreed that technology can be dangerous in the wrong hands.
Supporters of facial recognition technology, like Jake Parker of the non-profit Security Industry Association, say it's about rules and regulations, not the technology itself.
"If technology is used in a way that encourages certain people to take further action, especially if there are potential negative consequences, it should be governed by robust policies and procedures," Parker said.
There were no reports of the attendance of MSG officials, including Dolan, at Friday's hearing. They seem to have made a conscious decision not to approach or ask if they knew it was going on.
"I spoke to representatives last weekend and they assured me that someone will come today," Velasquez said. "Too bad, I'm disappointed."
"Today's City Council regulatory hearings are designed to address the broader use of facial recognition technology by businesses in New York City. MSG Entertainment's comments on the use of facial recognition technology are significant and are shared widely with security industry associations such as the Security Industry Association, Tech : NYC and BIO.-key International is a tool for businesses to provide a safe and secure environment, according to statements and oral testimony presented at the trial.
