The NYPD's acquisition of high-tech surveillance equipment such as robotic police dogs, unmanned submersibles, and facial recognition systems underscores a troubling reliance on repressive technologies. Such measures, cloaked in the guise of enhancing public safety, risk enabling authoritarian control and undermining privacy and civil rights.

Ahead of Council hearing, NYPD releases trove of info on surveillance tech - POLITICO

The NYC Council’s decision to extend the lobbying ban on ex-City Hall officials is a strong step towards reducing cronyism and the undue influence of former insiders in public policy. By closing the loophole that allowed ex-officials to immediately lobby a vast majority of city agencies, this measure promotes transparency and accountability in city governance. Such reforms align with anti-fascist principles by limiting the concentration of power and ensuring that public institutions are less influenced by elites who might otherwise undermine democratic values.

Targeting the practice of former officials engaging in lobbying immediately after leaving public service, the measure restricts potentially unethical political contributions and limits undue influence over city agencies. Such reforms are vital in countering structures that can support authoritarian practices.

NYC Council votes to expand lobbying ban on ex-City Hall officials amid ‘revolving door’ concerns

The exemption of Council staff from the lobbying ban demonstrates a problematic executive political engagement. By avoiding the same standards demanded of the mayor’s office, city leadership undermines uniform ethical practices, fostering an environment where partial accountability contributes to systemic abuse of power.

NYC Council pushing lobbying ban on mayor’s office staffers — but excludes itself from crackdown

By introducing a detailed guide that consolidates workplace rights across city, state, and federal laws, this initiative significantly bolsters labor protections. The focus on informing immigrant workers and preventing exploitation directly challenges oppressive, authoritarian labor practices.

Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Releases Workers' Bill of Rights

By instituting a workers’ bill of rights that mandates transparent labor practices and safeguards against exploitation, particularly among immigrant workers, New York City reinforces its dedication to upholding human rights and fair labor practices. This initiative is a positive step in resisting authoritarian exploitation of vulnerable worker populations.

New York City Council Passes Landmark Bill of Rights for Immigrant Workers

NYC’s dedicated resource on immigrant workers’ rights empowers vulnerable populations by outlining clear protections against employer discrimination and exploitation. This proactive measure enhances labor rights and human dignity, aligning with anti-authoritarian values and serving as a robust countermeasure against oppressive practices.

Immigrant Workers' Rights - MOIA - NYC.gov

In the Technology and Services Impact category, the deployment of advanced surveillance technologies through the Ring Neighbors platform directly implies the use of repressive technologies. This integration facilitates mass surveillance and potentially suppresses dissent by monitoring citizens, thereby contributing to an authoritarian infrastructure.

The NYPD has joined Amazon's Ring Neighbors surveillance network

By enabling the NYPD to leverage advanced surveillance technologies through Amazon’s Ring app, New York City is indirectly endorsing the deployment of repressive technology. This partnership facilitates intrusive state monitoring that can be used to silence dissent and target vulnerable populations, aligning with practices common in authoritarian contexts.

NYPD Partners With Amazon Surveillance App To Access User Posts