S.T.O.P. Condemns State-Funded Bodega Facial Recognition Pilot

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For Immediate Release S.T.O.P. Condemns State-Funded Bodega Facial Recognition Pilot (New York, NY, 3/27/2024) - Today, the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project (S.T.O.P.), a New York-based privacy and civil rights group, condemns New York State’s funding of a facial recognition pilot program at New York City bodegas. Using $1 million in state funding, the program will install facial recognition cameras in bodegas across Upper Manhattan and the Bronx. The software will scan everyone entering and leaving the store, flagging supposed repeat shoplifters. The move comes despite years of evidence that facial recognition scans, particularly in retail settings, are racially biased and fuel false arrest.  SEE: PIX11 - Exclusive: NYC bodegas getting facial recognition cameras with state funding https://pix11.com/news/local-news/exclusive-nyc-bodegas-getting-facial-recognition-cameras-with-state-funding/ “We shouldn’t be wasting tax dollars on this invasive and biased technology,” said Surveillance Technology Oversight Project Executive Director Albert Fox Cahn. “We know facial recognition is biased, so why is New York State bankrolling this sort of discrimination? This technology shouldn’t be allowed to fuel discrimination against our fellow New Yorkers, especially not on the state dime. Sadly, this is even more evidence that Governor Hochul is more committed to PR than public safety.” SEE: Syracuse.com - Gov. Hochul is fighting a shoplifting  https://www.syracuse.com/opinion/2024/02/gov-hochul-is-fighting-a-shoplifting-hoax-guest-opinion-by-eleni-manis-albert-fox-cahn.html In January, the civil rights group condemned Macy’s for using facial recognition that misidentified Harvey Murphy Jr., an innocent 61-year-old man, who was falsely arrested and allegedly assaulted in jail. Last May, S.T.O.P., elected officials and civil rights groups rallied against facial recognition and other biometric surveillance in New York City Hall Park ahead of a City Council hearing on proposed bans. The New York City Council Technology and Civil and Human Rights Committees discussed two proposed city laws, one banning biometric surveillance in residential buildings, and one banning the technology in places of public accommodation, such as stores and sports arenas. SEE: Press Release - S.T.O.P. Condemns Macy’s For Facial Recognition False Arrest, Jail Assault https://www.stopspying.org/latest-news/2024/1/23/stop-condemns-macys-for-facial-recognition-false-arrest-jail-assault Press Release - Electeds, Advocates Rally Against Facial Recognition Ahead Of City Council Hearing On Bans https://www.stopspying.org/latest-news/2023/5/3/electeds-advocates-rally-against-facial-recognition-ahead-of-city-council-hearing-on-bans 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.