Latest news with #SurveillanceTechnologyOversightProject
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Yahoo
Gotcha! NYPD drones spot subway surfer and man at crime scene, but privacy an issue
One video shows a man riding a subway car; another a man collecting shell cases on a rooftop. Both videos, recorded by an NYPD drone, demonstrate they can be a boon to law enforcement. police say. 'The NYPD's use of drones as a strategic, emergency response saves lives on our subway system and streets,' the department said in a statement, 'allows for an immediate deployment to dangerous situations, and, ultimately, protects everyday New Yorkers. Critics of the emerging technology, though, have been less than enthusiastic, calling drones more of a novelty than a way to improve public safety. They worry that the department does not care enough about the privacy concerns that have been publicly raised. Albert Fox Cahn, who heads the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project (STOP), acknowledged drones can be effective in certain situations — such as water rescues. But he said there are already enough cameras to record subway surfers and that taxpayer money should be spent on other measures. 'Drones can respond to tragedies but they can't keep us safe,' Cahn said. 'Drones are gimmicks. Gimmicks can pay off on occasion but it's not a smart way to invest our tax dollars when you're talking about something that is helpful just sometimes and is ripe for abuse.' The NYPD last month announced it was stepping up its use of drones with a five precinct pilot program in which the electronic devices would be sent out, along with patrol officers, on certain 911 calls, with the department noting a drone can often get to a scene before officers in a police cruiser. The department also said that drones this year have helped nab 31 subway surfers through April. In a video obtained by the Daily News, a drone on the afternoon of April 2 spotted Isaiah Thompson, 29, as he rode outside the last car on the J train in Williamsburg. The drone zooms in on Thompson, who does not appear to realize he is being watched. The video later shows him crossing the tracks at the Hewes St. station. When he gets to the other side of the tracks a plainclothes officer leads him onto the platform, where he is arrested and charged with reckless endangerment and trespass. Thompson's case is pending; his lawyer did not respond to request for comment. In the other video, an NYPD drone on the evening of April 12 was dispatched to a ShotSpotter alert in the Bronx, by E. 18th St. near Marion Ave., police said. With officers on patrol not yet on scene, the drone zooms in on Lawrence Taylor, 23, atop an apartment building roof, pacing back and forth and picking items up off the ground. The video shows Taylor a short time later leaving the building and, as he is about to cross the street, put his arms up at the sight of a police cruiser that is now on scene. Officers are seen getting out, moving Taylor to the ground and arresting him. Taylor, no relation to the NFL Hall of Fame linebacker, was charged with tampering with evidence — eight 9mm shell casings he had hid in his right shoe, according to a court criminal complaint. Police said any shell casings that are recovered are analyzed to see if they can be linked to any other shootings. Cary (cq) London, Taylor's lawyer, predicted the case would be dismissed, saying 'there was no attempt to tamper or conceal evidence.' London also said that while technology 'can be a helpful tooli n public safety we must ensure it doesn't come at the expense of privacy rights or lead to over-policing in communities already subject to disproportionate surveillance.' The NYPD said it is aware of such concerns and that it 'has worked with good government groups to address privacy concerns and looks forward to our continued collaboration in keeping our city safe.' Last May, the NYPD inspector general in a report said the police department was still not fully compliant with the terms of the Public Oversight of Surveillance Technology (POST) Act. The NYPD said that two months ago it accepted all 10 of the recommendation made by monitor so that it could comply with the POST Act.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Yahoo
Florida lawmakers push for bill that enhances penalties when using AirTag in a crime
The Brief Florida lawmakers are pushing for harsher punishments against people who misuse Apple Airtags. Senate Bill 1168 would upgrade the charge for misusing an AirTag to a second-degree felony, meaning an increase of ten years of prison time. The bill awaits a second reading; if signed, it will go into effect on Oct. 1. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - They can help you find your pet, phone or even your children if you lose them at an amusement park. However, law enforcement says AirTags are also being used for criminal reasons. Some people use them to stalk and harass. Florida lawmakers are trying to stop that during this legislative session, arguing for stricter punishments for those who misuse AirTags. Dig deeper Executive Director of the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, Albert Fox Chan, says that crooks can use that to their advantage as technology improves. "It's clear when you start using technology for finding an object anywhere in the world, that's something that can easily be used for really nefarious purposes," said Cahn. READ: Happy Birthday FOX 13: WTVT's 70 years worth of memories, stories in Tampa Bay In Florida, there are growing concerns about the misuse of AirTags for stalking. In 2022, a Miami-Dade police officer was arrested for secretly stalking his ex-girlfriend for a month while using an AirTag. "These devices are really small, many of them are magnetic, and they stick very easily to the bottom of a car," added Chief Technology Officer of Computer Forensic Services Mark Lanterman. What they're saying That's why Republican State Senator Tom Leek introduced a bill that would create harsher punishments if they're used in a crime. "It's critical we deter the use of this technology in furtherance of committing crimes which do real harm to our citizens," Leek explained. CLICK HERE:>>>Follow FOX 13 on YouTube Senate Bill 1168 would upgrade the charge to a second-degree felony if used in a crime. That means a difference of ten years in prison. Computer forensics experts say that these devices' popularity opens the door for a lot of crime. "The problem is you can go to eBay right now and you can buy an AirTag that has had the speaker removed, so there are no beeps," Lanterman explained. What you can do You can find out if an AirTag is following you by going to your "Find My" app and checking for alerts related to AirTags. If you do find one, remove the battery. If you feel your safety is at risk, contact law enforcement and maintain your security proactively. Apple has condemned any malicious use of its products and has taken steps to discourage unwanted tracking. What's next On Tuesday, Leek's bill passed another Senate Committee and awaits a second reading. If it passes and is signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, it would take effect by Oct. 1. The Source This story was collected by FOX 13's News Staff and presented by FOX 13's Chris Cato. WATCH FOX 13 NEWS LIVE: STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
