New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S07974

Introduced
5/15/25  
Refer
5/15/25  
Engrossed
6/9/25  

Caption

Requires that businesses that provide consumers with online accounts to access services accounts for mobile telephones using proper identification if the business has a physical presence in this state.

Impact

Should S07974 be enacted, it would significantly influence the regulatory framework governing businesses that deal with online accounts associated with mobile phones in New York. It establishes a clear expectation that companies must have a physical presence in the state to enforce these identification requirements, potentially enhancing consumer protections by ensuring that individuals retrieving access to their accounts can do so safely and verifiably in person.

Summary

Bill S07974, recently introduced in the New York Senate, aims to amend the General Business Law specifically regarding the recovery of online accounts for mobile phones. The proposal mandates that any business or person providing a consumer with an online account to access or modify their mobile telephone must offer an option for identity verification in person. This identification process requires consumers to present two forms of physical ID, which can include documents such as a valid passport or driver's license.

Contention

While the bill seeks to bolster consumer confidence in online security and accessibility, it may not be without contention. Proponents argue that such measures are essential in an age where identity theft and account hacking are rampant, providing a necessary safeguard for consumers. Conversely, businesses may express concerns over the additional administrative burden that in-person verification could impose, potentially complicating or slowing down the process of account recovery for customers.

Final_notes

Overall, Bill S07974 reflects a growing trend towards stricter regulations aimed at consumer protection in the digital domain. As the landscape of technology continues to evolve, legislation like this will likely continue to play a crucial role in establishing standards that govern online interactions between consumers and businesses.

Companion Bills

NY A08598

Same As Requires that businesses that provide consumers with online accounts to access services accounts for mobile telephones using proper identification if the business has a physical presence in this state.

Previously Filed As

NY S06323

Requires that businesses that provide consumers with online accounts to access services permit consumers who have been victims of identity theft to recover such accounts using proper identification if the business has a physical presence in this state.

NY A07048

Requires that businesses that provide consumers with online accounts to access services permit consumers who have been victims of identity theft to recover such accounts using proper identification if the business has a physical presence in this state.

NY S00682

Requires that a business allow a consumer to cancel a contract between the two parties using the same method that was used to enter into the contract; excludes businesses operating pursuant to certain franchises.

NY A03245

Requires businesses to notify consumers of an upcoming automatic renewal or continuous service charge to the consumer's account forty-five days prior to such charge; requires businesses to include instructions on how to cancel such renewal or charge in the notice to the consumer.

NY S05941

Requires businesses to notify consumers of an upcoming automatic renewal or continuous service charge to the consumer's account forty-five days prior to such charge; requires businesses to include instructions on how to cancel such renewal or charge in the notice to the consumer.

NY A00061

Requires businesses which provide for someone to spoof a telephone number to keep records of the phone calls placed with their services.

NY S02318

Requires businesses which provide for someone to spoof a telephone number to keep records of the phone calls placed with their services.

NY A07938

Requires businesses that use bicycles with electric assist to require certain employees to watch an online safety course video once per year.

NY A09245

Increases the aggregate funds available for the child care tax credit for businesses that provide child care services.

NY S09403

Increases the aggregate funds available for the child care tax credit for businesses that provide child care services.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.