S.T.O.P. Sues NYPD For Facial Recognition Records

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View this email in your browser For Immediate Release S.T.O.P. Sues NYPD for Facial Recognition Records   [NEW YORK, NY, 7/21/2020] -- Today, the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project (S.T.O.P.), a New York-based privacy group, and Shearman & Sterling, a leading international law firm, announced the filing of a lawsuit against the NYPD for refusing to disclose records on facial recognition in Times Square. The lawsuit was filed in New York State Supreme Court on July 18th, more than nine months after the NYPD first received S.T.O.P.’s Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request.   S.T.O.P. originally requested the NYPD records on October 8th, 2019, in response to a tip that the NYPD was using previously-undisclosed biometric surveillance in and around Times Square. Despite previously providing information on other facial recognition surveillance programs, the NYPD refused to provide any records to S.T.O.P. Shearman & Sterling is working with S.T.O.P. on a pro bono basis.   SEE: Lawsuit https://www.stopspying.org/s/2020-7-18-filed-Petition.pdf   Background on Litigation https://www.stopspying.org/nypd-facial-rec   “New Yorkers deserve to know how the NYPD uses facial recognition surveillance,” said Surveillance Technology Oversight Project Executive Director Albert Fox Cahn. “Just as importantly, we have to show the NYPD that they are not above our Freedom of Information Laws. Transparency is a crucial check on the government, and if it takes a lawsuit to make the NYPD follow the law, something is deeply wrong with the department. If police departments across the country can provide this information, there’s no reason why the NYPD can’t do the same.”   “Shearman & Sterling is privileged to assist S.T.O.P. with this matter,” said Shearman & Sterling Partner John Nathanson. “Facial recognition is a vitally important issue in data privacy law. Transparency from law enforcement regarding the use of such technology will facilitate open discourse and sound public policy.” The Surveillance Technology Oversight Project is a non-profit advocacy organization and legal services provider hosted by the Urban Justice Center. S.T.O.P. litigates and advocates for privacy, fighting excessive local and state-level surveillance. Our work highlights the discriminatory impact of surveillance on Muslim Americans, immigrants, and communities of color.   - END –   Copyright © 2019 Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, All rights reserved. Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.