This bill would enact the “Consumer Camera Privacy Act” and add a new section to New York’s General Business Law governing internet-connected consumer cameras such as video doorbells and security cameras. It defines “networked camera devices,” “coordinated surveillance features,” and related terms, then restricts how manufacturers and operators may use, share, retain, and disclose footage and derivative data from those devices.
The bill prohibits coordinated surveillance features from being enabled by default and requires separate affirmative opt-in consent for those features. It also bars manufacturers or operators from using footage for algorithm training or product development without separate consent, limits retention of footage in certain circumstances to 72 hours unless the owner opts for longer retention, and prevents conditioning basic device functionality on participation in surveillance features. In addition, it requires prominent point-of-sale disclosures and plain-language setup notices about storage, transmission, surveillance features, and retention practices.
Impact
The bill would create new consumer privacy obligations for manufacturers and operators of networked camera devices, including disclosure, consent, retention, deletion, and law-enforcement access rules. It would also give device owners new rights to obtain footage, delete footage and derivative data, and revoke consent to coordinated surveillance features, while authorizing the Attorney General and private individuals to enforce violations through civil penalties, damages, and attorney’s fees. If enacted, it would amend the General Business Law by adding section 390-f and would affect camera makers, cloud video service providers, and consumers in New York.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes, the measure appears to be framed as a consumer privacy and transparency bill with a protective, pro-consumer policy orientation. The structure of the bill suggests support for limiting surveillance-by-default practices and increasing user control over home security camera data. No contrary viewpoints are reflected in the provided materials, and there is no voting history or transcript evidence showing formal opposition or support beyond introduction and referral.
Contention
The main likely points of contention are the bill’s restrictions on coordinated surveillance and data use, especially the ban on default-enabled sharing features and the requirement for separate opt-in consent. Manufacturers and operators may object to limits on using footage for algorithm training or product development, the 72-hour retention rule, and the obligation to provide footage and deletion rights regardless of subscription status. Law enforcement access is another sensitive area, because the bill would require a warrant or specific informed consent for disclosure from coordinated surveillance features and would mandate transparency reporting.
Same As
Prohibits manufacturers or operators of networked camera devices to enable coordinated surveillance features on such devices as a default feature without first obtaining affirmative opt-in consent from the owner; requires disclosure of data rights for owners of such devices; prohibits coordinated surveillance features to be disclosed to law enforcement without a warrant; makes related provisions.
Prohibits manufacturers or operators of networked camera devices to enable coordinated surveillance features on such devices as a default feature without first obtaining affirmative opt-in consent from the owner; requires disclosure of data rights for owners of such devices; prohibits coordinated surveillance features to be disclosed to law enforcement without a warrant; makes related provisions.