In a recent address, New York Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled the state's strategy to combat online hate speech, which includes the collection of data from social media surveillance.
"Were very focused on the data were collecting from surveillance efforts, whats being said on social media platforms, and we have launched an effort to be able to counter some of the negativity and reach out to people when we see hate speech being spoken about on online platforms," Hochul declared.
The Governor emphasized the state's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of New Yorkers, both in reality and perception. She stated, "Our social media analysis unit has ramped up its monitoring of sites to catch incitement of violence, direct threats to others, and all this is in response to our desire, our strong commitment, to ensure that not only do New Yorkers be safe, but they also feel safe."
Hochul further underscored the importance of personal security, stating that it is "about everything for them." She expressed her desire for New Yorkers to feel free to express their religious beliefs without fear.
"We expect to see people celebrating their lives, walking about freely, and that is no longer the case because people are living in fear. They have a right to do whatever they want in the state of New York," she said.
These comments were made in the wake of a significant increase in antisemitic incidents in New York City, following a deadly attack by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas on Israel in October. The New York Police Department reported a 214 percent surge in antisemitic incidents in October 2023 compared to the same month in the previous year.
In response to this alarming trend, Governor Hochul has allocated an additional $2.5 million to the New York State Police for the deployment of ten more investigators in New York City, Albany, Buffalo, and Rochester. This move aims to ensure the State Police's presence in all Joint Terrorism Task Force investigative groups and areas, as stated in a press release.
The New York State Police have reportedly purchased programs over the past decade that allow them to sift through social media information. This includes "Dataminr" and "ShadowDragon," as reported by a January WNBF report.
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