Appeal Automated Decision Use - Queens, NY

Technology and Data New York 4 Minutes Read · published February 04, 2026 Flag of New York

This guide explains how to request an appeal or review when a city agency uses an automated decision system in Queens, New York. It summarizes who enforces rules, what to include in a request, likely timelines, and where to file appeals or complaints with city offices. Use this as a practical checklist to identify the agency involved, gather records, and pursue internal and external review options.

Overview

New York City agencies may use automated decision systems (ADS) for benefits, licensing, enforcement, and other decisions that affect residents. City rules require transparency about ADS inventories and often require agencies to provide notice and a way to request human review. Identify the agency that made the decision and collect any notice, decision letter, or case number before starting an appeal.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of municipal obligations about automated decision systems typically involves the agency that deployed the system and city oversight offices. Specific monetary fines for improper ADS use are not consolidated on a single municipal penalty schedule and are often not specified on agency pages; where amounts or statutory fines apply they will appear in the controlling agency rule or local law cited below.

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page. [1]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offences and specific ranges are not specified on the cited page; remedies depend on the enforcing agency or local law. [1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to stop or modify use, requirements to disclose models or data, administrative review, and judicial challenges are possible remedies under city oversight. [1]
  • Enforcer and inspection: the deploying agency enforces its program; city oversight bodies may include the Mayor's automated systems office or task force and administrative appeals are often handled by agency appeals units or OATH. [1][2]
  • Appeals and time limits: internal review deadlines vary by agency; if no internal remedy is provided, OATH or a court filing may be the next step. Specific statutory time limits are not specified on the cited page. [2]
Start by asking the agency for the decision record, the ADS name, and any notice you received.

Applications & Forms

There is typically no universal city form solely for appealing an ADS-driven decision; appeals use the agency's standard appeal or administrative review process. If a specific agency form exists it will appear on that agency's appeals or contact page.

If you cannot find a form, submit a written appeal via the agency's public email and request an acknowledgment.

How to request an appeal or review

Follow these steps to make a clear, well-documented request for review of an automated decision:

  1. Identify the decision and agency, and note any case numbers or notices you received.
  2. Request the decision record and ADS identification in writing, citing transparency or FOIL where applicable.
  3. Submit an internal appeal to the agency's appeals unit following the agency's instructions and deadlines.
  4. If the agency denies or does not respond, consider filing an appeal or petition at OATH or seek judicial review as allowed by the controlling statute or rule. [2]
  5. Pay any required fees only if the agency's appeals process or court filing rules require them; fee amounts should be confirmed on the agency or court page.

Common violations

  • Failure to provide notice that an ADS was used.
  • Refusal to disclose records or the ADS identity when required by transparency rules.
  • Decisions that fail to allow a meaningful human review or that rely on incorrect data.
Keep a written copy of every contact and submission you make about the decision.

FAQ

Who do I contact first to appeal an automated decision?
Contact the agency that issued the decision and ask for its appeals unit and instructions; if the agency uses an ADS, request the ADS name and decision record.
Can I request a human review of an ADS decision?
Yes—agencies generally must provide a way to request review; follow the agency's appeal procedure or request a written exception if no procedure is published.
What if the agency does not respond?
If the agency fails to respond, you can escalate to OATH or seek judicial review depending on the statutory appeals route for that agency. [2]

How-To

  1. Locate the decision notice or agency correspondence and record any case or file numbers.
  2. Write a dated appeal letter describing the ADS decision, why you disagree, and what remedy you seek.
  3. Attach supporting documents and request the ADS name and related records.
  4. Send the appeal by the agency's required method and keep proof of delivery.
  5. If unsatisfied, file with OATH or seek legal review as allowed by agency rules.

Key Takeaways

  • Start with the deploying agency and get the ADS name and decision record.
  • Follow the agency's appeal process closely and keep written proof of submissions.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of New York - Automated Decision Systems
  2. [2] City of New York - OATH

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data