My team decided to focus on the transnational nature of data in a smart (or current) city. In our video, we wanted to show the benefits that could be received by sharing your data and the possible risks and drawbacks. Although we chose to do this in a simplistic and slightly humorous way, data collection and (ab)use is a serious issue.
The way we “sell” our data isn’t always overt, but my team wanted to explore a scenario where it was a bit more obvious and visual. The first character in our video uses her phone to gain access to an exclusive lunch spot, receive a discounted meal, and meet up with her friend. At each step, she sheds data.
In our video, we showed that a drawback could be when this data falls into the “wrong hands”. Our character’s data is stolen in a mysterious breach and her personal information is visible to everyone. Other drawbacks of data collection are less nefarious, but still limit privacy.
Fortunately, some governments are trying to create legislation that would implement protections for privacy and data rights, like preventing “anonymous” data from being compiled and used to re-identify individuals. Hopefully, efforts like these and improving security will keep up with advances in data collection.
When I imagine a smart city of the future with seamless, helpful technology everywhere, I wonder what data collection will look like then. Will there be so many new ways to collect data that people won’t receive as much benefit in return? Will the benefit of smart technology so outweigh any loss of privacy that we will be happy?
https://www2.deloitte.com/insights/us/en/deloitte-review/issue-13/data-as-the-new-currency.html
https://boss.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/02/what-if-web-users-could-sell-their-own-data/
Smart City Design Workbook 