Technology
Policy
New bill would ban facial recognition use by law enforcement in New York
State Sen. Brad Hoylman introduces a bill to stop law enforcement agencies from using facial recognition.
Technology
Policy
Talking FinTech with Cross River Bank’s Phil Goldfeder
First Read Tech talks with former member of the New York state Assembly Phil Goldfeder.
Technology
Policy
Cashless ban highlights New York’s unbanked problem
The New York City Council passed a legislation Thursday to ban cashless stores.
MTA
Policy
Byford resigns, a despondent Twitter reacts
The celebrated transit chief officially resigns from the MTA, after quarreling with Gov. Cuomo over the subways turnaround.
Bill de Blasio
Policy
De Blasio wants feds to tackle automation; some say he can start at home
The NYC mayor wants to bring some of his ideas from the presidential campaign trail home.
Ethics
Policy
What to know about the Sheldon Silver ruling
Why part of the former Assembly speaker’s corruption conviction was overturned Tuesday.
Andrew Cuomo
Policy
Cuomo supports e-bike legalization, gig worker protections
Net neutrality and an investment in Syracuse tech sector also mentioned in the governor’s 2021 budget address.
MTA
Policy
MTA to enforce bus lane violations on 14th Street
Tickets will be given to vehicles caught driving in the bus lane.
New York State
Policy
Rep. Eliot Engel is facing primary opponents critical of his foreign policy
As chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Engel has tried to protect congressional power.
Technology
Policy
Talking 5G with AT&T’s Amy Kramer
First Read Tech interviews AT&T New York President Amy Kramer
Technology
Policy
Maloney dives headfirst into facial recognition
Rep. Maloney signalled that Congress could soon introduce legislation to regulate the use of facial recognition technology
Campaigns & Elections
Policy
Advocates, lawmakers warn against new touch-screen voting machines
The ExpressVote XL machines raise questions about reliability and security
Technology
Policy
How bus shelters will help usher in 5G
New equipment on “street furniture” will be crucial once next-gen wireless service finally arrives.
Technology
Policy
Can New York actually stop the scourge of robocalls?
A new proposal from Gov. Cuomo might curb the pesky calls, but ending them is a gargantuan task.
Technology
Policy
Albany airport authority suffers ransomware attack
The county airport experienced an under six figure ransom over the holidays.
Technology
Policy
Talking urban tech and IT contracts with Robinson Hernandez
First Read Tech talks to Robinson Hernandez, executive director of the Urban Tech Hub @ Company.
Technology
Policy
Cuomo says gig workers must be “appropriately” classified
During the State of the State Gov. Cuomo vowed to protect the rights of gig workers
Technology
Policy
Cuomo’s State of the State tech proposals, so far
Ahead of his State of the State address, Cuomo has unveiled a slew of proposals with technology impacts
New York City
Policy