New York’s Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul has disclosed that the state is implementing surveillance measures in an attempt to address what is termed “hate speech.”
Hochul asserts that the state is engaged in “surveillance efforts” to monitor the social media activities of New Yorkers in order to counteract online “negativity” and “hate speech.”
The governor attributes the collection of data from social media to a surge in anti-Semitic attacks. Hochul shared this information with the media after a meeting with the state’s Jewish leaders, local law enforcement, and federal authorities.
During the subsequent press conference, Hochul outlined her plans to purportedly combat hate crimes.
“It’s painful to me as the governor of this great state — that has been known for its diversity, and how we celebrate different cultures, different religions, different viewpoints — it’s painful to see the cruelty with which New Yorkers are treating each other,” Hochul said.
“Everywhere from college campuses, to our streets, to schools, to playgrounds; even as they’re entering their houses of worship.”
The governor continued by noting that she “immediately deployed the State Police to protect our synagogues and yeshivas and mosques and any other place that could be susceptible to hate crimes or violence.”
“I also announced a significant increase in funding for our efforts: $75 million overall, $50 million for local law enforcement to beef up their efforts as well as $25 million in security grants,” she added.
Since the terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, anti-Semitic hate incidents have witnessed a significant rise across the country.
In New York City, anti-Semitic attacks have surged by almost 331 percent, as reported by data from the New York City Police Department (NYPD).
Hochul proceeded to outline New York’s strategy to identify “incitement to violence” and “direct threats to others” by monitoring social media activity.
“We’re very focused on the data we’re collecting from surveillance efforts – what’s 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 said.
She insists that no New Yorker “should feel they have to hide any indications of what their religious beliefs are.”
Governor Hochul says that New York will now "collect data" and conduct mass surveillance of social media
Re-education camps, here we come
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) November 14, 2023