New York City Council
Committee on Technology
Sep 30, 2024
·
01:00 PM
3 hr 17 min
Summary
A hearing on the MyCity portal, a centralized platform for accessing city services.
Discussions focused on:
- The portal's development
- Current features
- Future plans including a digital wallet
- Data privacy concerns
- AI integration
- Accessibility
The hearing explored the balance between improving service delivery and protecting user information, with debates on data sharing, security measures, and potential risks.
Features testimony from the Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI), state officials, advocacy groups, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Gutiérrez's opening remarks on MyCity platform hearing
Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez, Chair of the Committee on Technology, provides opening remarks for the oversight hearing on the MyCity platform. She outlines the purpose of the hearing, expresses concerns …
0:00:30
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166 sec
Council Member Robert F. Holden discusses Intro 821 for a centralized mobile app for city services
Council Member Robert F. Holden testifies on Intro 821, which proposes creating a centralized mobile app for accessing city services. He explains the bill's origins, its potential benefits, and how …
0:03:17
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143 sec
Introduction of Chief Technology Officer Matthew Fraser
Matthew Fraser, Chief Technology Officer for the City of New York and leader of the Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI), introduces himself and his team to the City Council …
0:06:42
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21 sec
Overview and vision of the MyCity portal
The MyCity portal is introduced as a top priority for the administration, aiming to provide New Yorkers with a user-friendly, one-stop shop for city services and benefits. - Consolidates and …
0:07:03
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69 sec
Launch and initial progress of MyCity
The first phase of MyCity was launched in March 2023 at mycity.nyc.gov, starting with the rollout of a childcare subsidy portal. - Developed in collaboration with multiple city agencies and …
0:08:13
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48 sec
Impact and expansion of the childcare subsidy portal
The childcare subsidy portal on MyCity has significantly improved the application process for families seeking childcare assistance. - Approximately 75% of new applications are now submitted through MyCity - Nearly …
0:09:01
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56 sec
Launch and features of the MyCity business portal
The MyCity business portal was launched in September to assist business operators and entrepreneurs in navigating the process of applying for licenses and permits. - Features a beta phase AI-powered …
0:10:06
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39 sec
Introduction and impact of the Jobs NYC Talent Portal
The Jobs NYC Talent Portal was launched as part of MyCity to unify and modernize the job-seeking experience for New Yorkers. - Developed in collaboration with multiple city agencies and …
0:10:46
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55 sec
Future plans and developments for MyCity
The testimony outlines plans to expand and improve MyCity, building on its current foundation to offer more integrated services. - Aim to leverage user information to inform about other potential …
0:11:52
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54 sec
Response to proposed legislation Intro 821-2024
The testimony addresses the proposed legislation Intro 821-2024, which would require the creation of a centralized application for accessing city services. - Acknowledges alignment with current MyCity efforts and future …
0:12:46
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70 sec
Current phase and rollout status of MyCity portal
Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez inquires about the current phase and rollout status of the MyCity portal, which was launched in March 2023. She asks for specifics on how far along …
0:14:36
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34 sec
Development process and prioritization of childcare services in MyCity
Matthew Fraser explains the development process of MyCity, focusing on the prioritization of childcare services. He describes the challenges faced by families seeking childcare subsidies and how MyCity aims to …
0:15:11
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4 min
Current phase and expansion plans for MyCity
Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez inquires about the current phase of MyCity development and its plans for expansion. Matthew Fraser explains the integration of benefits eligibility information and the creation of …
0:19:11
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112 sec
Data sources and collection for benefits assessments in MyCity
Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez inquires about the data sources used for benefits assessments in MyCity. Matthew Fraser explains the process of collecting and using data from various city services. - …
0:21:04
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118 sec
Data retention policies and regulatory requirements for MyCity
Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez inquires about the data retention policies for information collected through MyCity and other city services. Matthew Fraser explains the complexities of data retention based on regulatory …
0:23:02
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45 sec
Timeline and success metrics for the current MyCity development phase
Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez inquires about the timeline and success metrics for the current phase of MyCity development. Matthew Fraser and Ruby Choi explain the ongoing work and upcoming features. …
0:23:47
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121 sec
User testing and human-centric design process for MyCity
Matthew Fraser explains the user testing and human-centric design process employed in the development of MyCity. This approach ensures that the platform meets user needs and expectations. - The development …
0:25:49
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52 sec
Methods for notifying users about potential benefits in MyCity
Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez inquires about the methods that will be used to notify users about potential benefits through MyCity. Matthew Fraser explains the various approaches they plan to use. …
0:26:41
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38 sec
Council member inquires about improvements to MyCity portal
Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez asks about specific plans to improve existing aspects of the MyCity portal, particularly focusing on the jobs, small business, and benefits sections. She notes that while …
0:27:33
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60 sec
Commissioner explains improvements to Jobs NYC website
Commissioner Matthew Fraser details the improvements made to the Jobs NYC website, highlighting the transformation from a legacy system to a more user-friendly and effective portal. - The old system …
0:28:33
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90 sec
Commissioner discusses business portal and chatbot functionality
Commissioner Fraser explains the development and functionality of the business portal and chatbot, emphasizing their role in improving city services and information dissemination. - The chatbot was introduced to handle …
0:30:03
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122 sec
Q&A on integration of services and user experience
Council Member Gutiérrez and Commissioner Fraser engage in a Q&A session about the integration of services within the MyCity portal, particularly focusing on the jobs site and user experience. - …
0:32:06
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91 sec
Brief comparison between MyCity and 311 services
Council Member Gutiérrez offers a brief comparison between the MyCity portal and the 311 service, with a focus on response times for job-related queries. - Gutiérrez notes that MyCity seems …
0:33:36
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18 sec
Concerns about the MyCity portal chatbot feature
Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez raises concerns about the accuracy and effectiveness of the chatbot feature in the MyCity portal. She mentions that there were issues beyond minor annoyances, leading to …
0:33:54
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50 sec
Development process and upgrades of MyCity chatbot
CTO Matthew Fraser explains the development process of the MyCity chatbot and recent upgrades to improve its performance. The discussion covers the transition from GPT 3.5 to GPT 4.0 and …
0:34:44
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3 min
Future plans for MyCity portal
CTO Matthew Fraser outlines the future plans for the MyCity portal, including the assessment of digital city services for potential integration. The discussion covers the timeline for determining future integrations …
0:38:13
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54 sec
Agency integration and feedback for MyCity portal
CTO Matthew Fraser discusses the process of integrating various city agencies into the MyCity portal and collecting feedback. He explains the creation of a centralized catalog of city technology projects …
0:39:08
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3 min
Childcare application process and user feedback
Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez raises concerns about the childcare application process through MyCity, particularly regarding processing times and user feedback. CTO Matthew Fraser and Deputy Commissioner Ruby Choi discuss the …
0:42:31
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6 min
Discussing integration of Head Start into MyCity portal
Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez inquires about plans to incorporate Head Start and Early Head Start benefits into the MyCity portal. Matthew Fraser, the Chief Technology Officer, explains that while they …
0:49:09
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3 min
MyCity childcare portal application statistics
Council Member Gutiérrez inquires about the statistics of childcare applications submitted through the MyCity portal compared to paper applications. Amrit Singh, Associate Commissioner of Application Engineering, provides current data and …
0:52:24
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135 sec
Language options for MyCity portal
Council Member Gutiérrez inquires about the language options available in the MyCity portal and requests data on the number of applications submitted in different languages. - The MyCity portal is …
0:54:40
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28 sec
Consent and data sharing in MyCity childcare application
Council Member Gutiérrez inquires about the consent process for data sharing in the MyCity childcare application. Matthew Fraser explains the opt-in nature of the consent process. - Users can opt …
0:55:07
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70 sec
Council Member Holden appreciates 311 app upgrades
Council Member Holden expresses gratitude for the recent upgrades to the 311 app, noting significant improvements while acknowledging there's still room for further enhancements. He specifically mentions using the app …
0:56:23
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49 sec
Discussion on potential impact of Intro 821-2024 on MyCity development
Council Member Holden inquires about CTO Fraser's testimony regarding Intro 821-2024 and its potential impact on the MyCity portal development. The discussion highlights the importance of feedback and negotiation in …
0:57:14
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25 sec
MyCity portal development approach: web-based vs. mobile app
CTO Fraser explains the development approach for the MyCity portal, emphasizing the benefits of web-based solutions over dedicated mobile applications. Council Member Holden expresses openness to adjusting the proposed legislation …
0:57:40
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130 sec
Vision for centralized city services access through MyCity
CTO Fraser outlines the vision for MyCity as a centralized portal for accessing city services, emphasizing the goal of simplifying constituent interactions with government agencies. Council Member Holden expresses support …
0:59:50
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91 sec
Addressing challenges with agency-specific digital presence
Council Member Holden and CTO Fraser discuss the challenges posed by agency-specific approaches to city services and the need for a unified portal. They highlight how the current system often …
1:01:21
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45 sec
Importance of user-centric design in government services
CTO Fraser and Council Member Holden agree on the importance of user-centric design in government services. They discuss the need for a consistent approach to prevent future administrations from reverting …
1:02:06
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37 sec
Progress in New York City's technology infrastructure under current administration
CTO Fraser outlines the significant progress made in New York City's technology infrastructure over the past two years. He highlights the shift from focusing on basic infrastructure issues to improving …
1:02:43
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98 sec
Council Member Paladino raises concerns about MyCity portal security
Council Member Vickie Paladino introduces her concerns about the security of the MyCity portal, particularly focusing on the proposed digital wallet feature. She references Intro 821, which calls for the …
1:04:27
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155 sec
Chief Technology Officer explains encryption and identity protection measures
Matthew Fraser, the Chief Technology Officer, responds to Council Member Paladino's concerns about security in the MyCity portal. He explains the measures taken to protect user information and ensure data …
1:07:03
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128 sec
Discussion on digital wallet identity verification process
Council Member Paladino and CTO Matthew Fraser engage in a detailed discussion about the proposed digital wallet feature for MyCity, focusing on identity verification and fraud prevention measures. - Fraser …
1:09:14
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136 sec
Council Member Paladino voices concerns about privacy and information security
Council Member Vickie Paladino expresses her broader concerns about privacy and information security in the digital age, emphasizing the importance of protecting individual privacy rights. - Paladino highlights the prevalence …
1:11:31
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97 sec
Council Member Paladino praises recent improvements to 311 service
Council Member Vickie Paladino concludes the discussion by sharing her recent positive experience with the 311 service, praising its efficiency in addressing community issues. - Paladino describes using 311 over …
1:13:08
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78 sec
Exploring the digital wallet component for MyCity
Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez inquires about the plans for a digital wallet component in MyCity. Commissioner Matthew Fraser explains that they are evaluating options for financial benefit distribution, security access, …
1:14:26
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122 sec
Clarifying the certainty of digital wallet implementation
Council Member Gutiérrez seeks clarification on the certainty of implementing a digital wallet for MyCity. Commissioner Fraser confirms that a digital wallet component will be part of the platform, emphasizing …
1:16:28
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37 sec
Addressing data collection and privacy concerns for MyCity
Council Member Gutiérrez raises concerns about data collection and information usage in MyCity. Commissioner Fraser explains the approach to data security, privacy, and public trust in digital government services. - …
1:17:05
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117 sec
Addressing public trust issues in digital government services
Council Member Gutiérrez expresses concerns about public trust in digital government services, particularly for vulnerable populations. Commissioner Fraser acknowledges these concerns and discusses the challenges of building trust in new …
1:19:03
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129 sec
Timeline for digital wallet announcements and comparison to other programs
Council Member Gutiérrez inquires about the timeline for announcements regarding the digital wallet component and asks about comparisons to other programs. Commissioner Fraser provides information on the expected timeline and …
1:21:12
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83 sec
Potential integration of city government payroll with MyCity
Council Member Gutiérrez inquires about the possibility of incorporating city government payroll into the MyCity platform. Commissioner Fraser discusses the potential benefits and considerations of such an integration. - Fraser …
1:22:36
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174 sec
Data collection and potential uses through MyCity digital wallets
Council Member Gutiérrez inquires about the data collected through digital wallets and its potential uses. Commissioner Fraser discusses theoretical concepts for using the data to incentivize healthier behaviors. - Fraser …
1:25:30
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117 sec
Development process and challenges of MyCity portal
Council Member Gutiérrez inquires about the development process of MyCity, particularly the balance between in-house and vendor work. Commissioner Fraser explains the challenges faced and the approach taken in building …
1:27:27
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3 min
Contract details and spending for MyCity development
Council Member Gutiérrez asks for specific details about the contracts and vendors involved in MyCity development. Commissioner Fraser and Deputy Commissioner Choi provide information on the number of contracts, types …
1:30:48
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4 min
Development and vendor involvement in MyCity's childcare component
Council Member Gutiérrez inquires about the development of the childcare portion of the MyCity portal, particularly focusing on vendor involvement and specific costs. Commissioner Fraser provides details on the approach …
1:35:17
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4 min
Future plans for vendors and RFPs in MyCity development
Council Member Gutiérrez inquires about future plans for vendor involvement and RFPs in the ongoing development of MyCity. Commissioner Fraser discusses the potential for new vendors and the process for …
1:39:22
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134 sec
Plans for biometric data and predictive models in MyCity
Council Member Gutiérrez inquires about plans to incorporate biometric data and predictive models into the MyCity portal. Commissioner Fraser discusses the current stance on biometric data and the potential use …
1:41:38
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4 min
AI chatbot data collection and maintenance in MyCity
Council Member Gutiérrez inquires about data collection from the AI chatbot in MyCity and its maintenance. Commissioner Fraser provides details on the type of data collected and the current maintenance …
1:45:58
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173 sec
Future updates and expansion of MyCity's chatbot capabilities
Council Member Gutiérrez inquires about future updates and expansion plans for the MyCity chatbot. Commissioner Fraser discusses upcoming improvements and potential areas for expansion. - Fraser confirms that updates are …
1:49:00
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171 sec
Comparing MyCity portal to previous 311 feasibility study
Council Member Gutiérrez brings up a 2018 feasibility study that recommended leveraging 311 online as the city's single web portal. Commissioner Fraser explains how MyCity differs from this approach and …
1:51:53
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3 min
Discussion of demonstration projects and potential use of MyCity data
Council Member Gutiérrez inquires about demonstration projects, particularly the involvement of Mokify, and the potential use of MyCity data in these projects. Commissioner Fraser provides information on the current state …
1:55:47
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3 min
Data sharing policies for MyCity vendors
Council Member Gutiérrez inquires about data sharing policies for vendors involved in the MyCity portal. Commissioner Fraser explains the current policies and safeguards in place to protect user data. - …
1:59:10
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3 min
MyCity's role in agency-to-agency data sharing and NYPD involvement
Council Member Gutiérrez asks about MyCity's role in agency-to-agency data sharing and potential NYPD involvement. Commissioner Fraser explains the data sharing processes and addresses concerns about law enforcement access to …
2:02:45
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156 sec
Testimony by Kristen Gonzalez, New York State Senator, on MyCity Portal and Government Use of AI Technology
State Senator Kristen Gonzalez criticizes the deployment of the MyCity chatbot and other experimental technologies by the NYC administration, emphasizing the need for thorough testing and regulation of government AI …
2:06:56
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3 min
Council member thanks senator and inquires about constituent feedback on MyCity portal
Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez thanks State Senator Kristen Gonzalez for her testimony and asks about constituent feedback on the MyCity portal. Senator Gonzalez shares that constituents have expressed concerns about …
2:10:24
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53 sec
Discussion on privacy concerns and potential issues with AI-based tools in government services
Council Member Gutiérrez and Senator Gonzalez discuss deeper concerns about privacy, data sharing, and the use of AI in government services. They explore the potential risks and the need for …
2:11:17
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175 sec
Testimony by Cynthia Conti-Cook, Director of Research and Policy at Surveillance Resistance Lab, on MyCity Portal Concerns
Cynthia Conti-Cook from the Surveillance Resistance Lab expresses strong concerns about the MyCity portal, urging the city council to stop, question, and assess its implementation. She highlights issues of transparency, …
2:14:53
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3 min
Testimony by Deyanira Del Rio, Executive Director of New Economy Project, on MyCity Portal and Digital Wallet Concerns
Deyanira Del Rio, Executive Director of New Economy Project, testified about concerns regarding the proposed MyCity portal and its digital wallet feature. She emphasized the potential risks to privacy, data …
2:18:16
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4 min
Testimony by Kim Moscaritolo, Director of Communications and Advocacy at Hunger Free America
Kim Moscaritolo from Hunger Free America testified in support of the MyCity portal, emphasizing its potential to streamline the benefits application process for low-income New Yorkers. She highlighted the current …
2:22:52
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3 min
Council member Gutiérrez introduces questions for panelists
Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez begins by thanking the panelists for their testimony and introduces her questions. She specifically mentions that she will address her first questions to Elena and De …
2:26:00
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64 sec
Discussion on data collection and privacy concerns in MyCity portal
Council Member Gutiérrez and Cynthia Conti-Cook engage in a Q&A about the privacy and data collection concerns surrounding the MyCity portal. Conti-Cook explains the risks associated with centralized data collection …
2:27:04
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164 sec
Incorporating community financial institutions in digital wallet design
Council Member Gutiérrez and Deyanira Del Rio discuss the potential for incorporating community-based financial institutions in the design and rollout of the digital wallet feature of MyCity. Del Rio provides …
2:29:51
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3 min
Efficient service delivery without centralizing data
Council Member Gutiérrez asks about the possibility of delivering services efficiently without centralizing data. Cynthia Conti-Cook responds, emphasizing the need for clear boundaries and laws regarding data use. - Acknowledgment …
2:32:52
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114 sec
Feedback on MyCity portal's usefulness for benefit applications
Council Member Gutiérrez asks Kim Moscaritolo about feedback on the usefulness of the MyCity portal for applying for benefits like EBT or cash assistance. Moscaritolo shares insights on the challenges …
2:34:47
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4 min
Concerns about enforcement of NYC privacy laws and the One City Act
Council Member Gutiérrez asks about the effectiveness of current New York City privacy laws in protecting data privacy. Cynthia Conti-Cook responds, expressing concerns about enforcement and potential undermining of privacy …
2:39:13
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112 sec
Discussion on changes in procurement rules for demonstration projects
Council Member Gutiérrez asks about recent changes in procurement rules related to demonstration projects. Cynthia Conti-Cook provides a detailed explanation of the changes and their potential implications. - Recent rule …
2:41:06
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135 sec
Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson, Member of the Public, on MyCity Portal and OTI Commissioner's Security Detail
Christopher Leon Johnson provides testimony on the MyCity portal and raises concerns about the OTI commissioner's security detail. He expresses support for the MyCity portal as a useful tool but …
2:43:36
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3 min
Testimony by Raul Rivera, Founder of NYC Drivers Unite, on Technology and Ride-Sharing Services
Raul Rivera, founder of NYC Drivers Unite and a taxi driver, testified about the dangers of technology in ride-sharing services, particularly focusing on Uber's practices. He emphasized the need to …
2:46:44
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3 min
Testimony by Shelby Lohr, Senior Policy Analyst at Day Care Council of New York
Shelby Lohr from the Day Care Council of New York provided testimony on the MyCity portal, focusing on challenges and recommendations for improving childcare enrollment processes. She highlighted the need …
2:50:04
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3 min
Discussion on processing times and challenges with the MyCity portal
Council Member Gutiérrez and Shelby Lohr discuss processing times, paper applications, and challenges with the MyCity portal for childcare enrollment. - Lohr highlights discrepancies between actual enrollment and portal information …
2:53:25
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68 sec
Concerns about information required for childcare applications
Council Member Gutiérrez and Shelby Lohr discuss concerns about the information required for childcare applications, particularly for migrant families. - Lohr highlights fears among migrant families about providing household information …
2:54:33
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47 sec
Testimony by Kate Brennan, Associate Director of AI Now Institute
Kate Brennan from the AI Now Institute presented testimony highlighting three main concerns about the MyCity portal, particularly its future as a centralized predictive data platform. She emphasized the risks …
2:55:39
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168 sec
Testimony by Albert Fox Cahn, Executive Director of Surveillance Technology Oversight Project
Albert Fox Cahn, Executive Director of the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, criticizes the implementation of the MyCity portal, particularly its AI chatbot feature. He expresses concern over privacy issues, data …
2:58:41
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3 min
Council Member Gutiérrez inquires about NYPD's access to OTI data
Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez asks Albert Fox Cahn about how the NYPD could potentially access data from the Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI). She mentions that the commissioner stated …
3:01:55
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41 sec
Albert Fox Cahn explains NYPD's informal data access methods
Albert Fox Cahn explains that the NYPD often accesses municipal data without formal MOUs or agreements in place. He emphasizes that the absence of a formal MOU is not reassuring …
3:02:36
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76 sec
Testimony by Kate Kaye, Deputy Director of World Privacy Forum on MyCity Portal Privacy Concerns
Kate Kaye, Deputy Director of World Privacy Forum, testified about privacy and security concerns regarding the MyCity portal. She emphasized the need for transparency, documentation, and proper safeguards to protect …
3:04:02
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3 min
Testimony by Kevin De Liban, Founder of TechTonic Justice
Kevin De Liban, founder of TechTonic Justice, provides a cautionary testimony about the risks associated with implementing large-scale integrated technology systems for public benefits. He draws on his experience as …
3:07:30
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3 min
Council member asks about specific examples of benefit denials in similar portals
Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez asks Kevin De Liban for specific examples of benefits being denied using similar portals to MyCity. Kevin provides detailed examples from various states, including Rhode Island, …
3:10:35
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79 sec
Testimony by Clayton Banks, CEO of Silicon Harlem, on MyCity Portal Accessibility
Clayton Banks, CEO of Silicon Harlem, testified on the importance of making the MyCity portal accessible to all New Yorkers, emphasizing the need for both mobile and web access to …
3:12:07
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3 min
Testimony by Sarah Lorya, Director of Workforce Operations at St. Nicks Alliance
Sarah Lorya, Director of Workforce Operations at St. Nicks Alliance, discusses the importance of digital literacy and the potential benefits of the MyCity platform for their clients. She emphasizes the …
3:15:29
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106 sec
