Connected technologies and always-on data flows are helping make today’s cities and communities more livable, productive, and sustainable. At the same time, these technologies raise concerns about individual privacy, freedom of choice, and institutional discrimination. How do we leverage the benefits of a data-rich society while giving members of our community the confidence of knowing their privacy is protected? How can we address pressing local problems — from housing to highways, potholes to policing — and deliver public services in equitable, privacy-conscious ways?
Working collaboratively with public, private, academic, and civil society leaders, FPF builds tools and best practices to guide how cities and local communities collect, manage, and use personal data to improve services for individuals. A cornerstone of this work is FPF’s Civic Privacy Leaders Network, a peer network supported by the National Science Foundation that brings together privacy leaders from 30+ local governments across the U.S. and Canada to navigate emerging privacy issues, share practical guidance, and promote fair and transparent data practices.
Visit the Smart Communities Resources web page for a comprehensive list of FPF’s ongoing work in this area.
BCI Commercial and Government Use: Gaming, Education, Employment, and More
This post is the third in a four-part series on Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs), providing an overview of the technology, use cases, privacy risks, and proposed recommendations for promoting privacy and mitigating risks associated with BCIs. Click here for FPF and IBM’s full report: Privacy and the Connected Mind. In case you missed them, read the […]
Chelsey Colbert Discusses Trends in Mobility & Location Data
Chelsey Colbert, Policy Counsel, leads FPF’s mobility and location data portfolio. Prior to joining FPF, Chelsey was a lawyer at an international business law firm in Canada and was seconded as in-house privacy and data governance counsel to Sidewalk Labs, an Alphabet company that designs and builds urban innovations. Chelsey holds a J.D. with a […]
FPF Comments on the Washington Privacy Act, SB 5376
Today, the Future of Privacy Forum submitted comments to the Washington State Senate Ways & Means Committee on the proposed Washington Privacy Act, Senate Bill 5376. FPF takes a “neutral” position regarding the Bill, and makes a few important points. FPF commends the Bill’s sponsors for addressing a broad set of individual data protection rights. […]
The Future of Microphones in Connected Devices
Today, FPF released a new Infographic: Microphones & the Internet of Things: Understanding Uses of Audio Sensors in Connected Devices (read the Press Release here). From Amazon Echos to Smart TVs, we are seeing more home devices integrate microphones, often to provide a voice user interface powered by cloud-based speech recognition.
Proposed Framework for a Policy Protecting Customer Information Privacy in Michigan
The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) recently requested information and comments related to its proposed framework for a policy protecting customer information privacy. The Commission’s current rules, 1999 AC, R 460.101 et seq., Consumer Standards and Billing Practices for Residential Customers provide some limited protection of customer privacy with respect to billing information. The new […]
From Uruguay, Chris Wolf: Privacy and Technology in Balance
On Tuesday, October 23, FPF’s Chris Wolf was one of the first plenary speakers at the 34th Annual Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Authorities in Punta Del Este, Uruguay. Here is the text of his remarks: Privacy and Technology in Balance Thank you for the opportunity to present on behalf of the Future of Privacy […]
White House Smart Grid Report Includes Key Privacy Guidance
Earlier today Future of Privacy Forum co-chair Jules Polonetsky attended the Obama administration’s announcement at the White House for a number of new initiatives designed to accelerate the modernization of the Nation’s electric infrastructure, bolster electric-grid innovation, and advance a clean energy economy. The National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) report focuses on 4 pillars […]
FPF Summary of CPUC Smart Grid Rules
On May 6, 2011, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued a proposed decision addressing privacy and security concerns around the Smart Grid. The CPUC proposed decision is significant, because it presents the most significant step yet in the U.S. towards a comprehensive set of smart grid privacy rules. With that in mind, we have […]
Future of Privacy Summary of California Public Utilities Commission Proposed Decision on Smart Grid Privacy and Security
Future of Privacy Summary of California Public Utilities Commission Proposed Decision on Smart Grid Privacy and Security May 9, 2011 On May 6th, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued a proposed decision by CPUC President Peevey addressing smart grid privacy and security. The CPUC proposed decision presents the most significant step yet in […]