Washington, D.C. (March 3, 2026)—At a recent hearing of the New York City Council Committee on Technology, International Biometrics + Identity Association (IBIA) executive Director Rob Tappan delivered testimony urging Council Members to oppose proposed legislation that would restrict the use of biometric or facial recognition technology in residential buildings (Proposed Int. No. 428) or places or providers of public accommodation (Proposed Int. No 213-A).
“IBIA plays an important role in speaking on behalf of the biometrics and identity industry and defending the critical role that these technologies play in making the everyday lives of citizens and consumers easier and hassle free,” said Michael W. DePasquale, Chairman of IBIA’s Board of Directors. “Blanket ban legislation like that proposed in New York City creates real security risks and vulnerabilities that make buildings and public places less safe and less secure. Council members should instead work with stakeholders on targeted regulations that protect privacy without leaving New Yorkers defenseless.”
“I’m here today representing the biometrics and identity technologies industry on behalf of many of their customers and end users who live and work here in New York City—small business owners, hotel operators, retail stores, apartment building owners, and residents—including seniors—who rely on biometric recognition technology every single day to protect their lives, their finances, their livelihoods, and their property, as well as to protect those communities in New York City in which they live, shop, work, and serve,” Tappan said in his remarks.
“Whether it’s a corner Bodega in the Bronx, a jewelry store in Queens, or a hotel or restaurant in Midtown Manhattan, or businesses elsewhere in Brooklyn and on Staten Island, facial recognition is not a luxury,” Tappan continued. “It is a frontline defense against shoplifting, fraud, trespassing, and violent crime. These businesses and establishments have been victimized repeatedly, often by repeat offenders who do so blatantly and brazenly.”
“We understand the Council’s and citizens’ concerns about privacy, and we take those concerns very seriously,” Tappan also said. “But these bills do not regulate biometric technology—they attempt to eliminate it entirely. That is not a balanced or wise approach. It forces small business owners and property managers to choose between compliance with the law and the physical safety of their customers, employees, and tenants, along with the threat of property or inventory loss.”
The full text of his remarks is available here.
IBIA is an advocacy and educational organization that represents the developers, manufacturers and systems integrators of biometric and identity technologies and services. IBIA advances the adoption and responsible use of technology-based identification solutions to enhance security and safety, protect privacy, and to facilitate convenience and productivity for government, business, and consumers. To that end, IBIA engages with elected officials, policymakers, the media, and the general public to help them better understand these technologies and to advocate for the responsible use and ethical implementation of biometric solutions to confirm and validate identity. For more information, please visit www.ibia.org.
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