Facial recognition technology uses algorithms to replicate the racial bias in policing that has had life-threatening consequences for Black people and our communities. This invasive technology is racist and inaccurate, misidentifies women and people of color, and reinforces a system of oppression that surveils and targets Black people on baseless grounds, while also demonizing our physical appearance.

New York City Speaker Corey Johnson has a responsibility to protect the rights and liberties of Black New York City residents, and must pass the Public Oversight of Surveillance Technology (POST) Act. 

From COINTELPRO to the FBI's use of the baseless “Black identity extremist” term, Black people are continuously being targeted through the manipulation of laws and legislation. Facial recognition technology is unjust and dangerous, and circumvents the law. We must take a stand to protect our civil rights and prevent unnecessary interactions with the police that can be traumatic or have deadly consequences.

Demand Speaker Corey Johnson pass the Public Oversight of Surveillance Technology (POST) Act.

Here is the Petition:

Dear Speaker Johnson,

We are deeply concerned with the long-unmet need for oversight of NYPD surveillance practices, particularly the use and deployment of new and highly-invasive technologies that infringe on the rights of Black New York City residents. In 2018, Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson introduced the Public Oversight of Surveillance Technology (POST) Act, which requires the NYPD to disclose how it utilizes electronic surveillance tools. We are calling on you to continue to support this policy, as it protects the civil rights of New York City residents and prevents unnecessary interactions with the police which often have traumatic, or even deadly consequences.

Along with the ways these tools have proven to be inaccurate, the growing use of surveillance technology threatens to obscure racial inequalities under the guise of unbiased computer systems. With no oversight of facial recognition technology, Black, Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Latinx people are more likely to have their images saved and run through these databases. Unregulated surveillance technology uses algorithms to replicate the racial bias in policing that has had life-threatening consequences for our communities.

Your support of the POST Act would greatly benefit the people of New York City, and help to make our communities safer. Speaker Johnson, this is your chance to place New York City among other cities that have put the rights of citizens over the collection of information. We hope to see you champion this policy and show your support for the protection of Black people in your jurisdiction and throughout the city of New York.