Lawmakers Vote To Stop NYPD's Attempt To Encrypt Their Radios

alternative_right shares a report: New York state lawmakers voted to stop the NYPD's attempt to block its radio communications from the public Thursday, with the bill expected to head to Gov. Kathy Hochul's desk. The 'Keep Police Radio Public Act' passed both the state Senate and state Assembly, with a sponsor of the legislation arguing the proposal strikes the 'proper balance' in the battle between transparency and sensitive information.

'Preserving access to police radio is critical for a free press and to preserve the freedoms and protections afforded by the public availability of this information,' state Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Queens) said in a statement. 'As encrypted radio usage grows, my proposal strikes the proper balance between legitimate law enforcement needs and the rights and interests of New Yorkers.'

The bill, which was sponsored in the Assembly by lawmaker Karines Reyes (D-Bronx), is meant to make real-time police radio communications accessible to emergency services organizations and reporters. 'Sensitive information' would still be kept private, according to the legislation. In late 2023, the NYPD began encrypting its radio communications to increase officer safety and 'protect the privacy interests of victims and witnesses.' However, it led to outcry from press advocates and local officials concerned about reduced transparency and limited access to real-time information.

A bill to address the issue has passed both chambers of New York's legislature, but Governor Hochul has not yet indicated whether she will sign it.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.