Proposed law could protect the privacy of millions of apartment dwellers in NY following Turn To Tara investigation

State Sen. Kevin Thomas pledged action following weeks of News 12's reporting into complaints surrounding Amazon's Key for Business delivery service that grants their drivers keyless access into buildings.

News 12 Staff

Dec 6, 2022, 10:45 PM

Updated 738 days ago

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A new law could soon be on the books to protect the privacy of millions of New Yorkers who live in apartment buildings.
It's all in direct response to a Turn To Tara investigation that revealed privacy concerns concerning a popular delivery service run by Amazon.
State Sen. Kevin Thomas pledged action following weeks of News 12's reporting into complaints surrounding Amazon's Key for Business delivery service that grants their drivers keyless access into buildings.
"This is an issue that impacts consumers around the state," says Thomas. "I've got to make sure that they are protected. As the chair of Consumer Protection, I want to make sure that the welfare of consumers in the state are protected. Things like this infuriate me that we've got to now pass legislation to stop this from happening."
Thomas is referring to the many building owners and managers from across the country who have shared their frustration, after the Amazon devices were reportedly installed at their properties without permission, allowing unannounced drivers to enter at will and in some cases, causing thousands of dollars in damage to the buildings' intercom systems.
If the S8380a bill becomes law, those unwanted installations will become much more than a nuisance - they'll also be illegal.
The bill would require Amazon to obtain the written consent of the building's manager or board of directors before installation. It also requires Amazon to allow an owner or operator to oversee the process from start to finish.
The bill is currently in committee, but Thomas is hoping lawmakers on both sides of the aisle will vote to pass it shortly after they return to Albany next month.
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