New York Assembly Bill A07172

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/21/25
• Refer: 3/21/25
• Refer: 1/7/26
• Report Pass: 5/13/26
• Refer: 5/13/26

Caption

Requires the division of criminal justice services to promulgate a written protocol for the regulation of the use of artificial intelligence and facial recognition technology in criminal investigations.

Impact

If enacted, A07172 would significantly impact the operational procedures of law enforcement agencies in New York. The bill would require police departments to adopt standardized protocols for using AI systems and facial recognition technology. These protocols would mandate transparency measures, record-keeping of AI-generated outputs, and independent audits to evaluate system accuracy and biases. The intended effect is to foster greater accountability within law enforcement practices while leveraging the benefits of modern technology in criminal investigations.

Summary

Bill A07172 aims to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and facial recognition technology in criminal investigations by establishing a formal protocol. The legislation seeks to address growing concerns regarding the transparency and accuracy of AI-generated evidence, which has been the subject of legal disputes in courts due to its reliability. The bill prohibits the acceptance of AI outputs, including facial recognition, as evidence in court, while still allowing their use for investigatory purposes. This is designed to protect the rights of defendants and uphold the integrity of the judicial process, reflecting a balance between technological advancement and constitutional safeguards.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding A07172 include the potential for bias in AI systems and the implications of restricting the use of AI-generated evidence. Supporters argue that the bill offers necessary protections for defendants against the possible misuse of flawed technologies, emphasizing the paramount importance of fairness in the legal system. Critics, however, may express concerns that overly stringent regulations could hinder law enforcement's ability to effectively leverage AI and facial recognition tools, potentially complicating criminal investigations and slowing down the pace of justice.