Q&A
Mastro's representation of MSG in facial recognition case discussed
7:02:27
·
126 sec
Council Member De La Rosa questions Randy Mastro about his representation of Madison Square Garden in a lawsuit involving facial recognition technology. Mastro clarifies the focus of the case and defends his role as a private practice attorney.
- De La Rosa brings up Mastro's representation of MSG in a case involving facial recognition technology
- Mastro explains that the case was primarily about private property rights, not facial recognition technology
- Discussion on the expansion of law enforcement power during Mastro's previous tenure in city government
- Mastro emphasizes his commitment to safeguarding New Yorkers' rights if appointed as Corporation Counsel
Carmen De La Rosa
7:02:27
So let's move on to an issue that you do have some knowledge about.
7:02:31
That's more the drones are one recent example of surveillance technology in New York City.
7:02:36
You represented Madison Square Garden in a in a lawsuit filed against the company over barring over 60 lawyers from Debita, Hutchison, LLP, from entering the Jane Dolan's Entertainment venue.
7:02:49
Facial recognition technology was used to single out to single out and banned the firm's attorneys who represented clients with pending litigation against MSG.
7:02:59
During your last tenure in city government, There was an immense expansion of law enforcement power and a corresponding lack of accountability that severely harmed many New Yorkers with a disproportionate impact on Black And Latino New Yorkers as many of my colleagues has already outlined.
7:03:18
Given that past record in city government and your pivotal legal work defending the controversial use of facial recognition technology, why should we believe that you will safeguard New Yorkers' rights against the abusive use of this and similar technologies like facial recognition.
Randy Mastro
7:03:34
Because the people of New York City and city government as a whole would be my clients and I would be advocating for their rights and their protections.
7:03:47
And by the way, in the Madison Square Garden case, again, the issue there was not in a in that case about facial recognition.
7:03:56
It was about whether a private property owner had the right to make decisions about who could use the premises or not.
7:04:03
And Larry Hutcher is a fierce adversary who I respect the David Off Hutch Affirm, I respect Larry Hutch would tell you he respects me because that's what good lawyers in private practice do.
7:04:19
They they do their cases zealously, and the outcome falls where it does.
7:04:26
And in that case, I won the case, and Larry Hatcher ultimately acknowledged that our legal position was right.