Bill > S05923

This bill, known as the "Stop Fakes Act", prohibits law enforcement officers and government entities from creating or using fake electronic communication service accounts, collecting account information, or coercing individuals to provide their account credentials. The legislation defines key terms such as "electronic communication", "fake account", and "account information", and establishes comprehensive restrictions on how government officials can interact with online accounts. Specifically, the bill prevents law enforcement from creating false profiles, accessing fake accounts, or requesting account details from users. If a law enforcement officer violates these provisions, any evidence obtained through such means would be suppressed in court. Additionally, the bill creates a private right of action, allowing individuals whose account information was improperly accessed to sue the government entity for up to $10,000 per violation, actual damages, punitive damages, and attorneys' fees. The bill aims to protect individual privacy and prevent potential abuse of online communication platforms by government officials, with special consideration given to privacy concerns for sensitive groups like religious organizations, political groups, and medical facilities.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5923