Senator James Sanders Jr. Announces Passage of Facial Recognition Technology Study Act in the New York State Senate

Albany, NY — New York State Senator James Sanders Jr. announced the passage of his bill, S3699 — the “Facial Recognition Technology Study Act,” in the New York State Senate, marking an important step toward addressing the growing use of biometric technology and its impact on privacy, civil liberties, and public safety.

The legislation establishes a task force of experts to study the use of facial recognition technology across New York State and to recommend appropriate regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with accountability.

“Facial recognition technology is advancing rapidly and is already being used in ways that affect everyday New Yorkers,” said Senator Sanders. “While this technology offers many benefits — from enhancing security to improving efficiency — it also raises serious concerns about privacy, surveillance, and potential misuse. We must get ahead of it, not react after harm is done.”

The bill recognizes that facial recognition technology, a form of biometric artificial intelligence, can identify or verify individuals using digital images or video. However, without clear oversight, its use may lead to unintended consequences, including violations of personal privacy and disproportionate impacts on certain communities.

Under this legislation, the task force will:

• Examine the current use of facial recognition technology across public and private sectors
• Identify potential risks, including privacy concerns and misuse
• Evaluate best practices from other states and jurisdictions
• Provide recommendations for a regulatory framework tailored to New York State

“Some jurisdictions have already moved to restrict or ban this technology entirely,” Sanders added. “Our goal is to take a thoughtful and informed approach — one that allows us to benefit from innovation while protecting the rights of our residents.”

The Facial Recognition Technology Study Act underscores New York’s commitment to responsible technology governance and positions the state to make informed decisions as artificial intelligence continues to evolve.

The bill now moves to the New York State Assembly for consideration.

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