Big Brother NYC trash scameras
Read the full article at Gothamist
Summary of NYC’s Consideration of Drones for Trash Law Enforcement
New York City’s sanitation department is exploring the potential use of drones to enhance enforcement of cleanliness regulations, particularly targeting illegal dumping and the improper disposal of trash. While supporters argue that drones could improve neighborhood quality of life, privacy advocates express significant concerns regarding surveillance and civil liberties.
Key Points
Drone Deployment Proposal: NYC’s sanitation department is considering drones to monitor compliance with trash laws, including illegal dumping and premature trash placement.
Support from City Officials: Sanitation department spokesperson Joshua Goodman emphasized the potential benefits of drones in holding violators accountable and improving community cleanliness.
Privacy Concerns: Privacy advocates, including Albert Fox Cahn from the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, criticize the idea as excessive surveillance, dubbing it a “litterbug air force.”
Historical Context: The proposal follows a trend of increasing surveillance in NYC under former sanitation commissioner Jessica Tisch, who previously utilized hidden cameras for enforcement.
Potential Applications Beyond Trash: The sanitation department is also considering drones for snowplowing and vehicle inspections, indicating a broader application of drone technology in city operations.
Detailed Breakdown
Proposal for Drones
The NYC sanitation department is actively exploring the deployment of drones to combat littering and illegal dumping. Goodman stated that drones could serve as tools to enhance neighborhood quality of life by holding offenders accountable. The initiative aligns with Mayor Eric Adams’ advocacy for modern technology in public service.
Support and Criticism
Goodman’s vision for drones includes monitoring persistent littering and abandoned vehicles, which he argues detract from community well-being. He stated, “Wouldn’t it be great if there was somebody holding people accountable who are hurting your quality of life?” However, Cahn vehemently opposes the plan, calling it “garbage” and highlighting the absurdity of using aerial surveillance for minor infractions.
Historical Context of Surveillance
Under Tisch’s leadership, the sanitation department previously implemented hidden cameras to catch illegal dumpers, resulting in $1.5 million in fines for such offenses last year. Critics argue that the increasing reliance on surveillance technologies raises ethical concerns about privacy and civil liberties.
Broader Applications of Drone Technology
In addition to trash enforcement, the sanitation department is exploring drones for snow removal and inspections. Other city agencies, such as the FDNY, have successfully utilized drones for firefighting, and the parks department plans to use drones for safety monitoring at beaches.
Community Perspectives
Local business owners, like Angel Lopez from Fort Greene, express skepticism about drone enforcement. Lopez prefers traditional inspection methods, citing concerns that drones could ticket individuals unfairly if they are unaware of littering incidents. He stated, “With a drone, anyone can throw something outside and you don’t realize it and they give you a ticket.”
Notable Quotes & Data
- “How does it feel when there’s trash on the same street every single day?” – Joshua Goodman, emphasizing community impact.
- “I think this plan is garbage.” – Albert Fox Cahn, criticizing the drone initiative.
- The sanitation department issued $1.5 million in fines for illegal dumping in the past year.
Context & Implications
The discussion around using drones for sanitation enforcement reflects broader societal debates about surveillance, privacy, and the role of technology in governance. As cities increasingly adopt high-tech solutions for public issues, the balance between enforcement and civil liberties remains a contentious topic. The outcome of this proposal could set a precedent for how urban environments manage compliance with public health and safety regulations while respecting individual privacy rights.
In conclusion, while the potential benefits of drone technology in enhancing cleanliness and accountability in NYC are notable, significant concerns regarding privacy and the implications of increased surveillance must be carefully considered.