New Rules for NYPD’s Use of Surveillance Tech Could Be Coming

By Idy Perl

The New York City Council is getting ready to pass new laws that would make the police department share more details about how it uses surveillance tools like facial recognition and drones to make sure the NYPD is using this technology in a fair and open way.

One bill would require the NYPD to publish a public plan explaining how it uses facial recognition. Another updates an earlier law, requiring the department to explain how it shares information with other agencies. A third bill would allow a city watchdog group to request reports on the NYPD’s surveillance activities.

Lawmakers say the department has not always been upfront, and clearer rules are needed to protect the public from misuse.