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Who cares
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Sponsors
Senator · Senate District 59
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to consumer protection
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the general business law, in relation to the use of voice recognition features
Purpose
This bill would regulate voice recognition features in internet-connected devices.
Summary of provisions
Section 1 adds a new article 32-a to the general business law to regulate voice recognition features. Subdivision 1 of section 676 sets forth definitions to be used in the section. Paragraph (a) of subdivision 2 will require users be notified that they are using voice recognition features on their connected devices. Paragraph (b) states that recordings of spoken word collected by the manufacturer through voice recognition features shall not be sold or used for advertising purposes. Paragraph (c) states that recordings of spoken word collected by a third party through voice recognition features shall not be sold or used for advertising purposes. Paragraph (d) states that manufacturers are only liable for the functionality of the device at the time of sale. Subdivision 3 states that this shall not be construed to prevent law enforcement from obtaining records from a manufacturer. Subdivision 4 allows the Attorney General to bring an action if he or she believes there is a violation of this section.
Section 2 is the effective date.
Justification
Companies that manufacture internet-capable devices like cell phones and televisions may record a user's voice without an individual's consent if the product has voice recognition software. Manufacturers should not be able to sell these recordings for a profit or use them for advertising purposes. California has enacted similar legislation to curb this practice on internet capable televisions. As technology continues to progress, it is important that customers are aware that their privacy may be violated.
Legislative history
New bill.
Fiscal implications
None to state.
Effective date
This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have become a law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.