New York State Liquor Authority Drops Suit Against MSG Over Facial Recognition Technology, Issues $30K Fine
The New York State Liquor Authority has settled its legal action against Madison Square Garden over the arena's use of facial recognition technology, resolving the case with a $30,000 fine rather than pursuing the lawsuit to judgment.
Why this matters: Thirty thousand dollars is a rounding error for one of the most profitable entertainment venues in the world. MSG used facial recognition to identify and turn away people it wanted to exclude — lawyers suing the company among them. That is a private organization using biometric surveillance to manage who gets through the door. The fine sends a signal that this is regulated, but the number says consequences are optional. If facial recognition at a venue carries a $30K ceiling, do not expect venues to think twice before using it.
Who should care: Lawyers · Privacy officers · Compliance · Cybersecurity · General readers · Policy
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