New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who campaigned on a promise of openness and accountability in City Hall, is facing early scrutiny over the release of records related to artificial intelligence programs used by his predecessor. While vowing a more transparent administration, the Mamdani team is currently citing inherited backlogs as a reason for delays in fulfilling Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests for contracts and files concerning AI voice cloning technology and a now-canceled chatbot.
During his campaign and immediately after winning the election, Mamdani emphasized a shift away from the secrecy that critics said characterized the previous administration. “This will be a period, like the campaign we ran and the City Hall to come, defined by transparency,” he stated in a social media post. However, recent interactions with the press suggest a more cautious approach to releasing information, particularly regarding potentially controversial programs initiated under former Mayor Eric Adams.
The requests in question, initially filed more than two years ago, seek details about taxpayer-funded contracts and agreements related to the use of AI voice cloning technology, as well as the “MyCity” chatbot – a program designed to answer citizen inquiries using an AI-powered model. The Adams administration reportedly stalled on these requests, citing a high volume of submissions and issuing repeated extensions until the finish of his term. An Adams spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment regarding the withheld files, according to reports.
FOIL Backlog Cited as Obstacle
Three weeks ago, the team filing the FOIL requests turned to the Mamdani administration, hoping for a more responsive outcome. However, the response has been similar to that of the previous administration. Jenna Lyles, a spokesperson for Mayor Mamdani, stated that the administration is “working to complete the large backlog of FOILs that were inherited as quickly as possible,” reiterating the commitment to transparency and accountability. You can find more information about Mayor Mamdani’s office and recent announcements on the official NYC Mayor’s Office website.
However, excellent government advocates question whether a backlog should impede the release of essential public records. Rachael Fauss, a Senior Policy Advisor for Reinvent Albany, argued that contracts and agreements detailing public spending should be readily available. “These are the public’s records and they should be released by default,” Fauss said. “This contract with the AI company, for example, is a good example of the type of record that shouldn’t be hiding in the shadows. It should be out for everybody to see.”
Fauss also raised concerns about the withholding of recordings of Mayor Adams’ AI-altered voice, which were previously disseminated to the public through telephone robocalls. “It was like a communication that the public was meant to hear,” she explained. “So why can’t you secure that record? If we’ve paid for it, as taxpayers, it should be available to see or hear.”
Mamdani Noncommittal, Decision Expected in April
On Friday, Mayor Mamdani abruptly ended a news conference when asked about his administration’s policy on transparency. When approached on the sidewalk shortly after, he acknowledged being unfamiliar with the specific FOIL requests but pledged to follow up on the matter. “I haven’t heard of it as yet, but I will follow up on it,” Mamdani said.
While the mayor did not commit to releasing the AI-related contracts and recordings, City Hall indicated a decision is expected by April 9, the deadline stipulated in the most recent FOIL extension notice. Regarding the “MyCity” chatbot documents, the city’s Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) initially closed the FOIL request, providing a 697-page agreement related to Microsoft IT services. However, this agreement did not contain specific information about the chatbot.
Ray Legendre, an OTI spokesperson, explained that the initial request was interpreted as seeking agreements solely between the city and Microsoft. After clarification from the requesting party, OTI reopened the search, stating, “In the spirit of good faith and greater transparency, OTI Legal has reopened this request and is continuing its search for additional records beyond your original request for records pertaining to Microsoft and the Chatbot.”
Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the 112th mayor of New York City on January 1, 2026, after previously serving in the New York State Assembly representing Astoria, Queens, according to his Wikipedia page. His administration is currently building its team, with Dean Fuleihan appointed as First Deputy Mayor, as reported by THE CITY.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the Mamdani administration can deliver on its promise of transparency and provide the public with access to these long-sought records. The outcome will likely set a precedent for how the administration handles future FOIL requests and shapes public perception of its commitment to open government.
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