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
Examining the Privacy Implications of Smart TVs
The Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) filed its report, Always On: Privacy Implications of Microphone-Enabled Devices, with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in response to the Commission’s request for public comments regarding the privacy implications of Smart TVs. On December 7, 2016, the FTC will be holding a Smart TV Workshop to explore the intricacies of tracking technologies and best practices for addressing consumer privacy on entertainment systems.
Lauren Smith Featured on WXYZ-TV
“Some of the information may be going to the manufacturer, some may be staying locally on the car, some may be going to your insurance company if you’ve selected that, some may be going to some technology you’ve opted into. So we’re trying to clarify for consumers what kind of information your car may collect and where the information is being sent.”
Kids, Connected Toys and Devices, and Privacy
At FPF, we recognize the benefits that connected home technologies can provide to individuals, families, and kids. We also know that privacy issues can make or break adoption of connected home tech – particularly questions about whether kids’ privacy and security are sufficiently safeguarded. Families are using voice controlled devices to search the web, play games, and order products.
Podcast: Lauren Smith Speaks with Bloomberg Law
Lauren Smith, Policy Counsel, spoke with Bloomberg Law today about connected cars and the legal implications of data collection. Lauren discussed the importance of privacy and highlighted many principles that are covered in the our report, “The Connected Car and Privacy: Navigating New Data Issues.”
July 20th Event: Kids & The Connected Home
The debate over the relationship between children and technology has been heated and complex. Issues ranging from the right amount of screen time, online privacy, safety and security have occupied policymakers, parents, and advocates for quite some time.
Protecting privacy and promoting inclusion with the 'Internet of Things'
To technologists and innovators, the “Internet of Things” (IoT) represents a world of exciting new benefits that will solve important technical and social problems. To critics, IoT represents a world of pervasive surveillance, with toys that spy on kids and microphone-enabled devices recording and retaining our most personal data.
Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Traveling to the United States for Internet of Things – Transforming the Future Conference
On June 21, 2016, Samsung will host its inaugural “Internet of Things – Transforming the Future” conference at the Washington Post, during which the company will lay out its vision for a human-centered approach to the Internet of Things (IoT) that focuses on the outcomes the technology will create for people and societies across the globe.
Purpose or Interest: that is the question!
We are pleased to present this guest post from Prof. Lokke Moerel, a leading EU privacy lawyer. We think her blog and paper are fascinating and important contributions to the current discussion of key privacy topics, including big data, the Internet of Things, and EU data protection laws.
The Benefits, Challenges, and Potential Roles for the Government in Fostering the Advancement of the Internet of Things
Yesterday, the Future of Privacy Forum filed comments with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) in response to NTIA’s inquiry into the Internet of Things (IoT). NTIA asked policy experts and other stakeholders to identify key issues affecting deployment the IoT – a broad category of devices, appliances, and objects that can be connected via the Internet.
Radio Interview – Lauren Smith, FPF Policy Counsel, Discusses the "Textalyzer"
Today, Lauren Smith, FPF Policy Counsel, joined The Takeaway to discuss the legal issues behind the “Textalyzer,” a technology that can tap into a driver’s phone, and whether or not it is the best deterrent to prevent texting and driving.