What's happening
This bill requires internet-connected baby monitors sold in New York to have security features and warning labels about unauthorized access risks.
Why it matters
Addresses privacy and security concerns for families. By requiring internet-connected baby monitors to have built-in security features, the bill aims to reduce the risk of hackers gaining unauthorized access to live audio or video feeds of children, a concern that has led to real-world incidents and privacy violations.
Mandates clear consumer warnings. The requirement for conspicuous warning labels ensures that parents and caregivers are informed about the cybersecurity risks and the importance of activating security features, helping them make safer choices and take proactive steps to safeguard their household.
Holds manufacturers accountable. The law places direct responsibility on manufacturers to implement these protections, potentially raising the overall security standards in the industry and making it harder for low-quality or insecure devices to enter the New York market.
Provides local enforcement and penalties. By allowing local authorities to enforce the law and collect penalties, the bill encourages community-level oversight and ensures that violations can be addressed promptly, increasing the likelihood of compliance and consumer protection.
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Who cares
- Likely concerns
Parents and Caregivers
Concerned about the privacy and safety of their children, this group will care about enhanced security features and clear warnings on baby monitors to prevent unauthorized access.
Manufacturers and Retailers of Baby Monitors
These businesses will need to comply with new security and labeling requirements, potentially having to redesign products, update packaging, and implement new quality controls, or face penalties.
- Watching
Consumer Protection Agencies and Local Governments
Tasked with enforcement, these entities will care about the resources and processes needed to monitor compliance, issue penalties, and educate the public.
- Likely support
Child Safety and Privacy Advocacy Groups
Organizations focused on child welfare and digital privacy will likely support measures that reduce the risks of hacking and unauthorized surveillance of children through baby monitors.
Headline styles
Require Baby Monitor Security
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Substituted by A5175A
- Ordered to third reading cal.1747
- Committee discharged and committed to rules
- Referred to internet and technology
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Require Baby Monitor Warnings
Signed by Governor · Sponsor Michaelle C. Solages
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
9508
IN SENATE
March 18, 2026
Introduced by Sen. GOUNARDES -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Internet and Technology
AN ACT to amend the general business law, in relation to requiring certain security features and warning labels on baby monitors
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The general business law is amended by adding a new section 399-iii to read as follows:
§ 399-iii. Baby monitors. 1. As used in this section, "baby monitor" means a device that is marketed exclusively for the purpose of broadcasting audio or video of an infant or child. The term shall not include a multi-functional device such as a smart phone, digital video camera, security camera, or other similar device.
2. (a) No person, firm, partnership, association, or corporation shall manufacture, distribute, sell or offer for sale a new baby monitor that broadcasts audio or video through an internet connection unless it includes: (i) security features to prevent unauthorized users from hearing or viewing activity; and (ii) a label or notice warning consumers of the risks associated with an unsecured baby monitor connection, and the importance of using its security features.
(b) The label or notice required by paragraph (a) of this subdivision shall be displayed in a written, printed, or graphic manner on the box, container, or package of a baby monitor, or shall otherwise accompany the baby monitor at the time of its distribution or sale in type no less than size twelve-point font. The information on the label shall be conspicuous and easily understandable to consumers and be substantially similar to the following:
"WARNING! THIS PRODUCT CONNECTS TO THE INTERNET. TO PREVENT UNAUTHOR- IZED USERS FROM ACCESSING OR VIEWING PRODUCT ACTIVITY, USE THE SECURITY FEATURES PROVIDED."
3. Manufacturers shall be responsible for ensuring that all baby monitors have the security features to prevent unauthorized users from hearing or viewing activities and the warning label as required by subdivision two of this section.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD09221-03-6
4. Any person, firm, partnership, association, or corporation in violation of this section shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than two hundred fifty dollars for a first violation and not more than five hundred dollars for a second or subsequent violation of this section. The provisions of this section shall be enforced concurrently by the director or commissioner of a municipal consumer affairs office, or by the town attorney, city corporation counsel, or other lawful designee of a municipal or local government, and all moneys collected thereunder shall be retained by such municipality or local government.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and completed on or before such effective date.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the general business law, in relation to requiring certain security features and warning labels on baby monitors
Purpose or general idea of bill
The bill would require that baby monitors are equipped with security features to prevent unauthorized users from hearing or viewing activ- ities, and to contain a warning label stating that the device connects to the internet and that security features should be used.
Summary of provisions
Section 1. Amends the general business law by adding a new section 399- iii
Section 2. Sets the effective date.
Justification
The use of baby monitors, especially those with audio and video features that can be accessed through an internet connection which can pose a cybersecurity risk that can jeopardize the safety of both children and their families. In particular, wife monitors are susceptible to hacking, unauthorized surveillance, and unauthorized communication that put chil- dren in danger. Knowing the potential security and safety risks incen- tivizes further precautions to be taken when using baby monitors. This bill will also help inform caretakers of some of the security features that exist in baby monitors.
Prior legislative history
None
Fiscal implications
TBD
Effective date
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.