Gov't officials warn MSG Entertainment of facial recognition tech

N.Y. elected officials are warning MSG Entertainment to "stop using 'terrifying' facial recognition software to boot rival attorneys from venues like Radio City Music Hall -- or risk losing valuable public support critical to its bottom line," according to Zach Williams of the N.Y. POST. Several local pols suggested the company’s continued use of the controversial tech could "jeopardize its public support," including a $43M "state tax abatement, liquor licenses and a city permit 'expiring' this year that allows the arena to have more than 2,500 seats." The officials said that they are "fine with the use of facial recognition software for identifying threats to public safety," but "not to target people simply because of their day jobs." MSG Entertainment has used the tech "at least four times to block attorneys from law firms with active litigation against the company -- even those not directly involved in the cases" (N.Y. POST, 1/16).