Civil rights group ‘condemns’ NYC transit authority’s pursuit of AI video analytics systems

Source Domain: statescoop.com

The New York privacy group STOP has criticized the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) for its request for information (RFI) on AI video analytics tools.
The MTA’s RFI seeks tools for detecting forbidden objects, monitoring unattended items, and analyzing unusual behaviors on public transit vehicles.
STOP claims that this RFI will lead to the expansion of invasive surveillance technologies across New York City.
Past AI initiatives, such as a failed weapons detection program in the city’s subway system, have highlighted issues such as high false positive rates and unethical advertising.
STOP argues against MTA’s AI experimentation, emphasizing concerns over the disproportionate targeting of marginalized groups and the failure of prior surveillance projects.
While the MTA states the RFI is for evaluation purposes only, STOP believes it indicates an upcoming increase in surveillance.
The MTA’s RFI mentions the pursuit of ethically designed and behaviorally expert-informed solutions for public safety.

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