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Akshar Survey: No Social Media Checks for Permits

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Residents of the 52nd Senate District overwhelmingly oppose the proposal requiring pistol permit applicants to turn over social media passwords.
State Sen. Fred Akshar released the results of an online survey posted earlier this month gauging constituents on a new piece of legislation (S.9191, Parker) that would require anyone applying for or renewing a pistol permit to consent to having their social media accounts and search engine history of the past 1-3 years reviewed and investigated by police as part of the mandatory background check before approval or renewal of the license. 
The survey, posted on Akshar.NYSenate.Gov, drew nearly 6,000 responses from residents in the 52nd Senate District, across New York State and various states around the country. 
The results showed:

 

  • Within the 52nd Senate District, 79% of respondents opposed the proposal, 21% supported it.
  • Outside of the 52nd Senate District, New York respondents opposed the measure 97% to 3%.
  • In giving a reason for opposition, the majority of respondents felt the legislation was an invasion of privacy and unconstitutional.

“This legislation, even if it’s well-intentioned, violates the 1st, 2nd and 4th amendments of the constitution,” said Akshar. “It’s a perfect illustration of government overreaching into the personal privacy of New Yorkers. I’ve long said that we must have a reasonable and robust conversation on utilizing common-sense measures to protect our communities from senseless and hateful violent acts, but we must do so without violating the law-abiding people’s constitutional rights to privacy, free speech and to protect themselves.”

 

Akshar plans on introducing or cosponsoring several bills to help address gun violence and underlying mental health issues that are at the root of many of the recent tragedies.

 

“It’s not responsible to simply say ‘No!’ to misguided proposals without offering better solutions. We need to crack down on illegally obtained weapons and address the mental health services crisis facing both our state and our nation.” said Akshar.