DCWP, TLC, and CCHR Issue Enforcement Policy Statement on Artificial Intelligence
October 1, 2026
Entities Cannot Avoid Responsibility for Violations of NYC Law Because of Reliance on AI
NEW YORK, NY – Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), Commission on Human Rights (CCHR), and Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) issued an enforcement policy statement related to the use of artificial intelligence (AI), algorithmic tools, automated systems, and the protections afforded to New Yorkers under the laws and rules the City enforces.
Local laws enforced by DCWP, CCHR, and TLC are among the strongest in the nation and cover many aspects of daily life in New York City—including work, housing, public spaces, and consumer transactions. As businesses increasingly use artificial intelligence to make decisions and deliver services, New York City is committed to enforcing these laws and ensuring that New Yorkers do not lose their rights when a decision is made or facilitated by technology.
“Whether you are a gig worker who was underpaid, a consumer who was scammed, or a tenant who faced discrimination, existing laws protect you, and we are making clear that using AI or an algorithm does not change that. A company that breaks the law is responsible for what its technology does, and the agencies that enforce our laws and this will hold violators accountable,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su.
“Technological advancement and strong legal protections for New Yorkers are not competing goals,” said DCWP Commissioner Samuel A.A. Levine. “DCWP is committed to using every tool we have to protect workers, tenants, and consumers.”
“Discrimination is illegal, whether that discrimination is committed by a person or an algorithm,” said Christine Clark, Commissioner and Chair of the New York City Commission on Human Rights. “New Yorkers should never be denied a job, a home, or an opportunity because of who they are. As technology changes, our commitment to protecting New Yorkers will not.”
“Advances in technology will not come at the expense of working-class New Yorkers,” said TLC Chair and Commissioner Midori Valdivia. “TLC will continue to enforce our rules, hold corporations accountable, and protect our first-in-the-nation driver pay standards while ensuring that passengers have access to dignified, fair, and safe trips.”
Laws and Protections Against AI
An entity cannot avoid responsibility for violations of law because of reliance on an algorithm, AI, or other technology. A non-exhaustive list of New York City laws that apply are as follows:
DCWP enforces the New York City Consumer Protection Law, which prohibits deceptive and unconscionable practices and applies to claims about the capabilities, performance, accuracy, outcomes, or uses of AI systems; representations made by chatbots and other agentic systems; and the design, marketing, sale, or deployment of AI-enabled products and services. DCWP also enforces New York City’s local worker protection laws, including protected time off, fair scheduling, and pay and job security rights for contracted delivery workers. Companies must ensure that automated tools do not violate these job protections.
CCHR enforces the New York City Human Rights Law, one of the strongest anti-discrimination laws in the nation. The law prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in employment, housing, and public spaces. Employers, housing providers, businesses and other covered entities are responsible for ensuring that technologies they use do not result in unlawful discrimination.
TLC enforces the New York City Minimum Driver Pay Requirements, which mandates a minimum pay rate for High Volume For-Hire Vehicle (HVFHV) drivers. TLC rules also require that wheelchair accessible vehicles are dispatched within certain timeframes to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to for-hire vehicle service and that a certain percentage of HVFHV trips must be performed by wheelchair accessible vehicles and electric vehicles.
The NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) is the nation’s leading municipal enforcement agency charged with delivering economic justice. DCWP leverages its authority to bring New Yorkers real economic relief and protect them from predatory, deceptive, and unfair practices that violate their rights as consumers and workers. This includes pioneering cutting-edge protections, such as the City’s Consumer Protection Law, Protected Time Off Law, Fair Workweek Law, and Delivery Worker Laws, including the Minimum Pay Rate for delivery workers. Through licensing more than 45,000 businesses in over 45 industries, DCWP ensures fair competition and a level playing field for responsible small businesses that are integral to New York City’s vibrant communities. DCWP also provides essential services such as free tax preparation and financial counseling to ensure New Yorkers keep more of what they earn and can plan for their futures. DCWP is committed to making sure New York City is a fairer, more affordable place to live. For more information about DCWP and its work, call 311 or visit DCWP at nyc.gov/dcwp, sign up for its newsletter, or follow on its social media sites, X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
Media Contact:
Department of Consumer and Worker Protection
press@dcwp.nyc.gov