However, privacy activists have raised concerns about the robot's surveillance capabilities, particularly in light of Mayor Adams' support for controversial facial recognition app Clearview AI. Critics argue that the use of such technology is more complex and potentially dystopian than simply deterring petty crime. Albert Fox Cahn, executive director of the anti-surveillance nonprofit Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, criticized the mayor's perceived over-reliance on surveillance technology.
Key takeaways:
- New York City Mayor Eric Adams has deployed a surveillance robot called 'K5' at the 42nd Street subway station in Times Square.
- The robot, created by Knightscope, is described as a 'fully autonomous outdoor security robot' and is intended to act as a crime deterrent.
- Privacy activists have raised concerns about the bot's surveillance capabilities, particularly in light of Mayor Adams' support for controversial facial recognition app Clearview AI.
- Albert Fox Cahn, executive director of the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, criticized the mayor's decision, suggesting there are already enough cameras in Times Square.