Executive Summary

On October 20, 2026, the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) proposed rules regulating automated customer service systems, including AI-powered chatbots, traditional automated telephone systems, and rules-based chatbots. The proposal would require businesses to disclose at the outset that consumers are interacting with an automated system, provide specified means of accessing human assistance, maintain detailed compliance records, and avoid misleading representations about customer service availability.… Continue Reading

On October 8, 2026, at the request of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the New York City Council introduced Int. No. 1105, the POWER (People and Organizations Winning Economic Relief) Act. Sponsored by Council Member Harvey D. Epstein, the bill would prohibit unfair methods of competition and unfair, deceptive, abusive, or unlawful acts or practices in or affecting business, trade, or commerce.… Continue Reading

In March, we reported on New York City’s new Stopping Harassment and Intimidation and Ensuring Lawful Debt Collection Rule (the “SHIELD Rule”), which substantially expands the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection’s (“DCWP”) regulation of debt collection in New York City and goes beyond the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (“FDCPA”) and Regulation F. … Continue Reading