S.T.O.P. Warns MSG Facial Recognition Policy Change Falls Short, Renews Call For Ban

View this email in your browser For Immediate Release S.T.O.P. Warns MSG Facial Recognition Policy Change Falls Short, Renews Call For Ban (New York, NY, 2/7/2023) - Today, the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project (S.T.O.P.), a New York-based privacy and civil rights group, warns that Madison Square Garden Entertainment’s change to their “adverse attorney policy,” MSG’s facial recognition-enforced ban on members of legal groups suing the company, falls short of protecting patrons from surveillance. MSG released a statement that the policy no longer applies to lawyers tied to pending litigation with Tao Group Hospitality, a bar and restaurant group that the company is looking to sell off. Facial recognition technology will still be used to screen all patrons visiting the venue, and MSG will continue to use this technology to identify and block entry to people tied to firms pursuing active litigation against the company and its entities. S.T.O.P. renewed its call for state and city bans on facial recognition at sporting events, concerts, and other public accommodations. SEE: NBC New York - MSG Entertainment Lifts Ban for Some Lawyers Involved in Lawsuits Against Company https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/msg-entertainment-lifts-ban-for-some-lawyers-involved-in-lawsuits-against-company/4089798/ “MSG’s revision to its facial recognition policy makes a mockery of New Yorkers concerned about surveillance,” said Surveillance Technology Oversight Project Communications Director Will Owen. “This shift changes virtually nothing for patrons who aren’t part of Tao Group Hospitality. At best, MSG has walked back use of facial recognition against one of its own business entities in the interest of profit. At worst, MSG could be using facial recognition not only against perceived threats outside the company, but also against their own employees and customers who sue them for violating the law. We don’t need minor corporate policy revisions to facial recognition in New York; we need an outright ban.” In January, S.T.O.P. condemned MSG Entertainment CEO James Dolan for doubling down on the corporation’s use of facial recognition and renewed its demand that MSG Entertainment end use of facial recognition, following reports that a third attorney was barred by the company. The civil rights group also emphasized the urgent need for this legislation after NYPD officers were caught recording concertgoers exiting a Harlem venue after a Drake performance. That same month, S.T.O.P. joined 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 technology. SEE: Press Release - S.T.O.P. Condemns MSG CEO For Doubling Down On Facial Recognition https://www.stopspying.org/latest-news/2023/1/27/stop-condemns-msg-ceo-for-doubling-down-on-facial-recognition Press Release - S.T.O.P. Expresses Concern At NYPD Recording Of Drake Concert https://www.stopspying.org/latest-news/2023/1/23/stop-expresses-concern-at-nypd-recording-of-drake-concert Press Release - S.T.O.P., Civil Rights Groups, & Lawmakers Launch NY Campaign To ‘Ban Big Brother’ Surveillance https://www.stopspying.org/latest-news/2023/1/10/stop-civil-rights-groups-amp-lawmakers-launch-ny-campaign-to-ban-big-brother-surveillance 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.