Albert Fox Cahn, executive director and founder of the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, recently expressed concerns about the new weapon detecting technology that Mayor Eric Adams recently announced plans to test in the city’s transit system. The initiative aims to enhance the safety of New Yorkers by implementing this new technology.
Despite the administration’s efforts to improve safety, some advocates have expressed doubts about the accuracy of the machines, as well as ongoing legal issues such as a class-action lawsuit and a federal probe. The rollout of the technology is set to take place at a few stations within the next 90 days.
Cahn appeared on NY1’s “Inside City Hall” with Bobby Cuza to provide more insight into these concerns. He emphasized that while surveillance technology can be useful in preventing crime, it must be used in a way that protects civil liberties and privacy rights. Cahn called for increased transparency and oversight of the technology, including regular audits and independent testing to ensure its accuracy and effectiveness.
The mayor’s office has not yet responded to these concerns, but it is clear that there will be ongoing debate and scrutiny of this new initiative as it moves forward.