S.T.O.P. Condemns MSG CEO For Doubling Down On Facial Recognition

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View this email in your browser For Immediate Release S.T.O.P. Condemns MSG CEO For Doubling Down On Facial Recognition (New York, NY, 1/27/2022) - Today, the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project (S.T.O.P.), a New York-based privacy and civil rights group, condemns MSG Entertainment CEO James Dolan for doubling down on the corporation’s use of facial recognition in a bizarre interview with Fox 5. Dolan threatened to shut down alcohol sales at a future Rangers game and quoted The Godfather in his defense of facial recognition, saying ““It’s not personal, it’s strictly business.” S.T.O.P. renewed its demand that Madison Square Garden Entertainment end use of facial recognition and stated that the rant highlights how venues can weaponize the technology to retaliate against whistleblowers and others exercising their legal rights. SEE: FOX 5 NY - MSG owner James Dolan threatens alcohol ban at MSG over facial recognition controversy https://www.fox5ny.com/news/msg-owner-james-dolan-threatens-alcohol-ban-at-msg-over-facial-recognition-controversy Gothamist - MSG CEO James Dolan has 'meltdown' about facial recognition criticism, vows to keep scanning opponents https://gothamist.com/news/msg-ceo-james-dolan-has-meltdown-about-facial-recognition-criticism-vows-to-keep-scanning-opponents “There’s nothing more personal than your face,” said Surveillance Technology Oversight Project Executive Director Albert Fox Cahn. “Dolan’s erratic defense of facial recognition just proves why the man shouldn’t be trusted with it. If Dolan wants to play Godfather, Albany should make him an offer he can’t refuse and outlaw facial recognition. If Dolan’s willing to dox state leaders and resort to these sorts of tactics on live TV, it’s terrifying to think what he’s doing with the tech behind the scenes.” Earlier this month, S.T.O.P. renewed its demand that Madison Square Garden Entertainment end use of facial recognition, following reports that a third attorney was barred by the company. S.T.O.P. reiterated its call for state and city bans on facial recognition at sporting events, concerts, and other public accommodations. That same week, S.T.O.P. joined other civil rights groups and lawmakers in Albany to launch “Banning Big Brother: New York’s Surveillance Sanctuary State Blueprint,” a New York State anti-surveillance legislative campaign. The bill package includes a broad ban on facial recognition. SEE: Press Release - S.T.O.P. Renews Demand MSG STOP Facial Recognition After 3rd Lawyer Is Barred https://www.stopspying.org/latest-news/2023/1/14/stop-renews-demand-msg-stop-facial-recognition-after-3rd-lawyer-is-barred NY Post - Third NYC lawyer booted from MSG by James Dolan’s facial recognition technology https://nypost.com/2023/01/13/third-nyc-lawyer-booted-from-msg-by-james-dolans-facial-recognition-tech/ Spectrum News 1 - Groups urge lawmakers to ban surveillance tools used by law enforcement https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/news/2023/01/09/groups-urge-lawmakers-to-ban-surveillance-tools- The Surveillance Technology Oversight Project is a non-profit advocacy organization and legal services provider. 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 -- CONTACT: S.T.O.P. Executive Director Albert Fox Cahn   Copyright © 2021 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.