Advisory: Coalition calls for Ban of Facial Recognition after Madison Square Garden abuses

WHO: New York City Council Member Shahana Hanif,Fight for the Future, S.T.O.P., NYC DSA Tech Action, musician/artist Cristy Roads, country musician Paisley Fields and others.

WHAT: A press conference calling for the ban of facial recognition technology in places of public accommodation and to protest James Dolan’s ongoing abuse of FRT at Madison Square Garden.

WHEN: 12:00pm Eastern on Friday, August 14

WHERE: The Moynihan Train Hall steps (421 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10001)

WHY: James Dolan was an early adopter of facial recognition technology at Madison Square Garden. His flagrant abuse of the technology to ban critics and violate the privacy of visitors perfectly illustrates the inherent danger of mass biometric surveillance. MSG’s surveillance controversies have been producing outrage for years, with the latest reporting highlighting the enhanced privacy experienced by wealthy patrons. City Council Member Shahana Hanif’s proposed ban of facial recognition and biometric surveillance in places of public accommodation would end these abuses in NYC. Hundreds of artists and venues have pledged not to use facial recognition technology at concerts. Join us to hear from privacy advocates, performers, and policymakers about the urgent need to end these practices.

Please contact Jibran Ludwig at jibran@fightforthefuture.org or (660) 234-5268 if you have any questions!