Home / Arts and Entertainment / MSG Faces Fines, Facial Recognition Charges Dropped
MSG Faces Fines, Facial Recognition Charges Dropped
22 Jul
Summary
- Facial recognition charges against MSG were withdrawn.
- MSG Entertainment received $30,000 in fines.
- Fines were for an unrelated offense, not facial recognition.
Charges against MSG Entertainment concerning its use of facial recognition technology have been withdrawn by the New York Liquor Authority. The authority had previously taken issue with the implementation of biometric surveillance at Madison Square Garden, asserting it violated state laws requiring public access.
However, in an unpublicized ruling, the authority settled the matter with a $30,000 penalty. This fine was levied on MSG Entertainment and two other Manhattan venues controlled by James Dolan: the Beacon Theater and Radio City Music Hall. The penalty was for an unrelated offense, bringing a close to a three-year dispute.
The controversy began three years ago when MSG Entertainment deployed facial recognition to prevent individuals deemed adversaries from entering the venue. The authority's disciplinary actions could have resulted in significant fines or the revocation of liquor licenses.
