New York Senate Bill S06873

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/25/25
• Refer: 3/25/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Relates to the use of voice recognition features on certain products.

Summary

This bill would create a new article in New York’s General Business Law governing the use of voice recognition features in certain connected devices, including televisions, video game consoles, computers, computer accessories, internet-capable devices, and toys. It defines voice recognition features broadly to include the collection, recording, storage, analysis, transmission, interpretation, or other use of spoken words or other sounds. The bill requires manufacturers or other entities providing voice recognition features in New York to prominently disclose during initial setup or installation that the device may be recording the user and that recordings may be retained by the manufacturer. It also prohibits manufacturers and third-party contractors from selling recordings or using them for advertising purposes. The bill further states that manufacturers are not liable for functionality provided by third-party apps chosen by the user, and it limits disclosure of retained recordings to law enforcement or others unless otherwise authorized by law or a judicial order.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would add consumer privacy and disclosure requirements to New York law for manufacturers and providers of voice-enabled connected devices, while also creating enforcement authority for the Attorney General. It would authorize injunctive relief, actual damages for consumer losses, and civil penalties of up to $2,500 per violation, thereby giving the state a direct mechanism to police noncompliance. The measure would affect device manufacturers, third-party contractors handling recordings, and consumers using voice-activated products, especially in the home and educational/toy markets.

Sentiment

No committee transcript or vote record is available, so there is no documented debate or recorded vote to indicate support or opposition. Based on the bill’s structure, it appears to be a consumer privacy measure intended to increase transparency and restrict commercial use of voice recordings, which typically draws support from privacy advocates and consumer protection interests. At the same time, it may raise concerns among manufacturers and technology companies about compliance burdens, product design, and limits on data use.

Contention

The main points of contention are likely to center on privacy versus business flexibility. Supporters would likely emphasize the need for clear notice to users, limits on the sale and advertising use of recordings, and protections against unauthorized disclosure. Opponents or affected industry stakeholders may object to the breadth of the disclosure requirement, the prohibition on secondary uses of recordings, and the potential exposure to civil penalties. There may also be questions about how the bill applies to third-party apps, incidental recordings, and the practical enforcement of consent and retention rules.