Full Breakdown
Madison Square Garden's Dossier on Facial Recognition Critics Exposed
6/23/2026, 8:02:26 PM
Core Event: Dossier Revealed in 45-GB Data Leak
In December 2022, hackers released a 45-GB cache of Madison Square Garden (MSG) internal files. Among them was “Facial Recognition Activists.docx,” stored in a SharePoint folder named “Activists.” The file listed three individuals—Evan Greer, Albert Fox Cahn, and Adam Schwartz—who had publicly opposed MSG’s facial-recognition system, including background, contact, and prior statements. Its presence on an internal server shows it was accessible to MSG staff beyond its author.
Background & Context: Facial-Recognition Use at MSG
MSG has used facial-recognition technology since 2018 to verify patrons. The system has blocked entry for litigants’ lawyers and a person who made a shirt criticizing owner Jim Dolan. WIRED reported security chief John Eversole uploaded photos of roughly 1,200 lawyers from over 90 firms into the database.
Key Figures, Groups, and Data
The dossier names activist Evan Greer (director, Fight for the Future), Albert Fox Cahn (founder, STOP), and EFF privacy litigator Adam Schwartz. Internal records also reference security chief John Eversole. The leak totals 45 GB; the dossier lists three activists; the facial-recognition system has processed images of about 1,200 lawyers from over 90 firms.
Official Statements and Criticism
MSG declined comment on the dossier. EFF privacy litigator Adam Schwartz warned the practice could expand to block critics based on online activity. Albert Fox Cahn noted that corporate surveillance now mirrors powers once reserved for governments. Both activists described the dossier as proof that private firms use biometric tools to target dissent.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The author of the “Facial Recognition Activists.docx” file is unidentified, and MSG has not clarified internal policies governing such dossiers. While the leak lists three activists, it is unclear whether additional individuals were tracked in separate, undisclosed records.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The fact that MSG is creating dossiers on activists who say things they don't like shows exactly why private companies should not be allowed to use dangerous surveillance technologies like facial recognition,” — Evan Greer, director, Fight for the Future
- “Given their recent treatment of a trans woman trying to use the bathroom in their venue, I'm also not surprised they misgendered me,” — Evan Greer
- “For years, we promised we'd ‘watch the watchers,’ but now it's clear they've been watching us,” — Albert Fox Cahn, founder, STOP
- “It raises the question of what’s going to come next. Will companies use facial recognition to keep out all the people who have picketed the business or criticized them online with a negative Yelp review?” — Adam Schwartz, privacy litigation director, EFF
- “Hey New Yorkers, who are the coolest people on the NYC city council who might wanna introduce a facial recognition ban like the one in Portland, OR that would stop Madison Square Garden from using biometric surveillance?” — Evan Greer (tweet)
What's Next
Privacy groups are urging regulators to examine corporate biometric surveillance. Ongoing investigations may assess MSG’s data-handling practices and the legality of maintaining activist dossiers.
