Legislative Memo on The New York Electronic Communications Privacy Act

Law enforcement has long been taking advantage of outdated privacy laws to turn mobile phones into tracking devices and to access emails, documents, and text messages without proper judicial oversight. The legislature must step in to protect the privacy and due process rights of New York residents by passing A.1880/S.2615 , the New York Electronic Communications Privacy Act, which will update New York privacy laws to reflect the capabilities and consequences of everyday technologies.

It’s time to bring our laws in line with the technologies we live with day in and day out. New Yorkers should no longer be forced to choose between using digital devices and their privacy. The New York Civil Liberties Union strongly supports A.1880/S.2615 and urges lawmakers to pass it promptly.