State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (D-North Shore/South Brooklyn) has sponsored a bill, S5505, that redefines the term “following” to include unauthorized use of tracking devices as constituting the crime of stalking in the fourth degree. The legislation aims to expand the definition of stalking to include the use of devices or computers to gain unauthorized access to, record, track, or report the movement or location of individuals or their property.
By updating laws to address new technological threats, Senator Scarcella-Spanton believes it is crucial in ensuring the safety and privacy of her constituents. She emphasized that location sharing, meant to promote safety, is now being exploited for malicious purposes by stalkers. This bill seeks to prevent individuals from being surveilled without their consent and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
The ubiquity of smartphones and other tracking devices highlights the potential for misuse of these technologies. The legislation recognizes this danger and takes proactive measures to protect individuals from digital stalking. By redefining stalking to include unauthorized tracking, lawmakers are sending a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated in New York state. This legislative action represents a significant step towards enhancing the safety and privacy of New Yorkers in an increasingly interconnected world.
