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.
Featured
Future of Privacy Forum Comment Regarding Senator Bill Nelson's Report, “Children's Connected Toys: Data Security and Privacy Concerns”
Today, Senator Nelson’s office released a report outlining several privacy and security implications of “connected toys” that the office identified based on conversations with six major toy manufacturers. The report emphasizes the unique sensitivity of children’s personal information; urges toymakers to build privacy and security into their toys from the inception; and suggests that the FTC has authority to monitor and bring enforcement actions under Section 5 and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
Uber and Location Permission
Uber recently announced that its iOS app will require access to location data either “Always” or “Never.” Given some of the confusion about the change, we are writing to help consumers better understand what Uber modified and why.
Kids & The Connected Home: Privacy in the Age of Connected Dolls, Talking Dinosaurs, and Battling Robots
Today, at the 2016 Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) Annual Conference, the Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) and FOSI released a white paper, Kids & The Connected Home: Privacy in the Age of Connected Dolls, Talking Dinosaurs, and Battling Robots.
Stacey Gray Featured on KUCI 88.9 FM
Today, Stacey Gray, FPF Policy Counsel, was featured on Privacy Piracy to talk consumer privacy and connected devices. Stacey discussed many topics covered in her report, Always On: Privacy Implications of Microphone-Enabled Devices.
A Discussion of "Owned: How the Internet of Things Took Our Property and Privacy"
On October 6, 2016, Professor Joshua Fairfield from the Washington and Lee University School of Law joined us to discuss a chapter from his upcoming book, “Owned: How the Internet of Things Took Our Property and Privacy.”
Looking Back at Smart Cities Week at FPF
If you’ve been in Washington, DC this week, you may have noticed a certain buzz in the air – and not just from the wifi-connected streetlights on Pennsylvania Avenue. It’s Smart Cities Week, and D.C. has been humming all week with urban leaders, leading companies, tech and civic innovators, open data gurus, and advocates and academics from all around the globe.
October 6th Event: "Owned: How the Internet of Things Took Our Property and Privacy"
FPF’s Capital-Area Academic Network invites you to join us for a discussion of “Owned: How the Internet of Things Took Our Property and Privacy” Chapter 5: Private Property with Author Joshua Fairfield Professor of Law, Washington and Lee University School of Law.
First Take: Privacy in the Federal Automated Vehicles Policy
In the federal guidance for autonomous vehicles issued yesterday, the Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have wisely recognized that privacy will play a key role in promoting trust in connected vehicles. This guidance and its emphasis on privacy is an important first step in building that trust.
FPF Statement on the Department of Transportation's Federal Automated Vehicles Policy
NHTSA has wisely recognized that privacy will play a key role in promoting trust in connected vehicles. Today’s guidance is an important first step in building that trust. A future in which new kinds of mobility will expand transportation opportunities for all segments of society will depend on broad collection and use of data to ensure maximum safety and convenience for consumers.
Data and the Future of Mobility: September 14 in San Jose, CA
Join the Future of Privacy Forum for a roundtable: “Data and The Future of Mobility.” Technology is transforming the safety and convenience of the vehicles in which we ride and drive. Along the way, Silicon Valley has become a major hub for auto manufacturers, technology companies, and other entities looking to innovate in the transportation space. Join us in San Jose for a roundtable discussion on data and the future of mobility.