Technology

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2670: Requires cell towers to be equipped with a back-up power source in case of a power outage

This bill requires owners and operators of large cell towers (called "macro cell tower sites") in New York to install backup power systems capable of keeping towers running for at least 72 hours during power outages. The backup must use renewable energy, fuel cells, or energy storage, but existing towers with backup power do not need immediate upgrades until their current system requires replacement. It specifically applies to large outdoor towers providing wide-area service, excluding small cell systems or rooftop installations. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates renewable energy use for cell tower backup systems, directly advancing renewable energy adoption in infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates backup power for cell towers to maintain service during outages, enhancing network reliability and continuity of internet access.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Resilience Energy Storage Renewable Energy Telecommunications

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6548: Establishes broadband opportunity areas

Provides for real property tax exemptions for last mile broadband infrastructure constructed, altered, installed or improved in an area designated a broadband opportunity area.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides real property tax exemptions for broadband infrastructure, reducing tax burden to promote deployment, aligning with fiscal support for essential services.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProvides tax exemptions to incentivize broadband infrastructure deployment in underserved areas, directly expanding internet access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives Broadband Access Telecommunications

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1332: Offers parental controls for internet services

Offers parental controls for internet services; allows the attorney general to bring a civil action against any internet provider that violates certain requirements.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyImposes requirements on internet providers for parental controls, enhancing child data privacy protections under civil enforcement by attorney general.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Online Safety Social Media

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2181: Prohibits interactive computer service providers from knowingly developing or promoting content that is dangerous or injurious

Prohibits interactive computer service providers from knowingly promoting content to a targeted user and with the intention of developing the content, cause the user extreme emotional harm, physical injury or financial injury.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill restricts tech platforms from knowingly promoting harmful content causing injury, aligning with consumer protection regulations under tech policy.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Online Safety Social Media

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passed both · New York · Assembly Jun 4, 2026

A 563: Requires policies for the use of automatic license plate reader systems

Requires the consumer protection division to promulgate a policy governing the use of automatic license plate reader systems by non-law enforcement agencies and non-government entities; requires such non-law enforcement agencies and non-government entities to conspicuously post such policy on their website or in their place of business.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires transparency policies for ALPR use by non-government entities, enhancing data privacy protections through mandated policy posting.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5827: Relates to data privacy protection; establishes the privacy and security victims relief fund

Establishes consumers' foundational data privacy rights; creates oversight mechanisms; establishes enforcement mechanisms; establishes the privacy and security victims relief fund.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyEstablishes data privacy rights, oversight, enforcement, and victim relief fund - directly strengthens consumer privacy protections in technology policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 927: Relates to the regulation of social media companies and social media platforms

Relates to the regulation of social media companies and social media platforms; provides for age requirements for the use of social media and parental consent; prohibits certain data collection from social media accounts; limits the hours a minor can have access to social media; establishes penalties for violations.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits data collection from social media accounts and limits minors' access, aligning with data privacy protection and consumer safety regulations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Online Safety Social Media

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6066: Relates to state contracts being only with internet service providers compliant with net neutrality

Enacts the "NYS net neutrality protection act"; relates to state contracts being only with internet service providers compliant with net neutrality; prohibits the purchase of internet services from a non-net neutral source of internet services; requires certain disclosures by internet providers.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyEnacts net neutrality protections for state contracts, requiring ISPs to comply with open internet standards, advancing consumer protection and digital equity.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 8576: Provides public assistance for home internet service

This bill amends New York's social services law to include home internet service payments as a covered expense in public assistance programs. It directly affects low-income individuals and families receiving state aid by allowing them to use their monthly benefits to cover home internet costs, alongside existing items like shelter and heating. The key mechanism adds "home internet service" to the list of allowable expenses in the standard of need, ensuring these costs are factored into assistance calculations without requiring additional income. This change expands existing public assistance to address digital access needs for eligible households.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly adds home internet to public assistance expenses, expanding access for low-income households and advancing digital equity goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1545: Relates to instituting internet service neutrality

Relates to instituting internet service neutrality; provides the public service commission with jurisdiction over monitoring broadband internet service providers; requires a certification for internet service neutrality in certain state contracts.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates net neutrality regulations for ISPs, requiring public oversight and certification to protect open internet access and consumer rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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