Those expecting a grand bargain for life in smart cities are likely to be disappointed. It’s far more likely for privacy to slip away incrementally, with residents giving up slightly more information year after year. This trend is already underway. In exchange for free and reliable email service, people are willing to allow some degree of online tracking. Security cameras are all but ubiquitous, a change that’s happened slowly but steadily. Those taking public transportation can expect to hear stories over the years about planners gathering a small bit of extra information along with an explanation of why this information is so important to gather. Slow change can be difficult to notice, and an incremental approach is less likely to upset the public at large even if the end result of these changes are massive.
Openness
Perhaps the greatest step both city planners and those seeking better privacy can take is to ensure openness. If an organization within a smart city wants to collect certain types of information, citizens can demand public hearings and room for debate. City planners looking to build relationships with residents can be as open as possible to maintain trust along the way. Those looking to collect data rarely have nefarious intent, but side effects can lead to data being misused. Insisting on an ongoing conversation can help prevent data from being abused.
Sensors are cheap, and the Internet of Things concept is a natural pair for city management. Furthermore, advances made in machine learning and artificial intelligence will provide invaluable tools for running a city more efficiency.