Cities collecting personally identifiable data, by the government or through any third party, are responsible to abide by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) rules, just like any other organization collecting data.
The GDPR regulation, which will be fully enforceable from May 20, 2018, was widely discussed in the last Mobile World Congress in Barcelona and is a recurring topic in many forums and at board level meetings of the largest U.S. and European organizations.
Cities are liable for sensor data
The amount of data collected by cities will increase tenfold in the next six years.
According to Jorge Ortega, a lawyer from Barcelona specializing in data protection, and president of the expert committee of ANF (Data Protection Certification Authority) in Spain, “City councils are responsible for all data collected by all IoT devices in public spaces, and the use of that data. If a light sensor detects the movement of cars entering or leaving a parking garage, and therefore the movement of its residents, their privacy needs to be protected by default.”
FULL STORY: Europe’s GDPR Slaps Data Collected by Cities
Report: Cities Falling Behind on Security and Accessibility in 'Smart City' Tech
While cities around the world are introducing tech tools to improve services and increase their efficiency, many have failed to implement appropriate privacy and security protocols.
California to Regulate Security of IoT Devices
A recently approved California bill will set a legislative standard in the U.S. for basic Internet of Things security.
Internet of Things Brings More Surveillance and Vulnerabilities to Cities
Too often, smart city technology is described as an innocuous tool, but Adam Greenfield argues the technology acquiring this data will be used to distribute city resources, an inherently political act.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie