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NYPD's Real-Time NYCHA CCTV Access Raises Privacy Concerns

Your neighborhood's CCTV cameras are now feeding into the NYPD's surveillance system. But what about your privacy and the law?

,   and  Administrator
1 min read
In front of the picture, we see a white car on which "Police" is written. Behind that, there are...
In front of the picture, we see a white car on which "Police" is written. Behind that, there are many cars moving on the road. On either side of the road, we see grass and trees. This picture is clicked outside the city.

NYPD's Real-Time NYCHA CCTV Access Raises Privacy Concerns

The New York City Police Department (NYPD) has been granted real-time access to NYCHA CCTV cameras through the Big Apple Connect program, enabling quicker responses to incidents and potential crimes. However, this move has sparked concerns about privacy, transparency, and compliance with city laws.

The Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI), under Mayor Eric Adams and Chief Technology Officer Matt Fraser, facilitated this connection. Initially, the OTI did not disclose the Big Apple Connect contracts to the City Council's technology committee, only complying after a lawsuit. The NYPD's use of this system to access NYCHA CCTV cameras is now under scrutiny, potentially violating the Public Oversight of Surveillance Technology Act (POST Act).

The integration of NYCHA CCTV cameras with the NYPD's Domain Awareness System has raised alarm bells about privacy and civil liberties. Residents were not informed about this live police surveillance facilitated by Big Apple Connect. Many questions remain unanswered, such as which sites are targeted, how often audits are conducted, and whether footage has been shared with federal agencies. The NYPD has stated that information may be shared with federal immigration enforcement when required by law.

Currently, 68 CCTV cameras at one NYCHA development are linked to the NYPD's citywide surveillance software. By the end of 2023, the NYPD plans to connect 1,900 cameras across 19 more NYCHA properties, with a long-term goal of linking 17,897 cameras across 119 NYCHA developments.

The NYPD's expanded access to NYCHA CCTV cameras aims to enhance public safety but has raised significant concerns about privacy and transparency. The City Council is now investigating this matter, seeking answers to unanswered questions and ensuring compliance with city laws.

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