State Legislature Passes Internet in Shelters

The bill provides safe, reliable high-speed internet access to all individuals residing in temporary housing statewide

ALBANY, NY – The New York State Legislature passed Internet in Shelters, A.1755 (Reyes) / S.8026 (Gonzalez), legislation that would provide reliable, privacy-preserving, high-speed internet access to all people in temporary housing. In response, the New York Civil Liberties Union issued the following statement, attributable to Senior Privacy & Technology Strategist Daniel Schwarz:

“Today, the state legislature upheld New York’s responsibility to some of our most vulnerable community members by ensuring reliable, secure high-speed internet access to everyone in New York’s shelter system.

“Whether it’s submitting rental applications, applying for jobs, completing homework, accessing government services, or navigating the legal system, in our digital age, reliable internet access is everything. For too long, people living in the shelter system have been left out of the equation. This bill will remedy that by guaranteeing internet in temporary housing statewide, establishing protections against surveillance, and treating all data equally without censorship.

“We’re heartened by the Legislature’s decisive action to bridge our state’s stark digital divide, and urge the Governor to sign it into law promptly. All New Yorkers deserve reliable, net-neutral, and privacy-respecting access to the internet, no matter their housing status.”