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.
First Meeting Planned for Multistakeholder Process on Smart Grid Data Privacy
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) held a Smart Grid Privacy Workshop on January 31, 2012. This was followed by the White House privacy blueprint, “Consumer Data Privacy in a Networked World,” released on February 23, 2012. As a reaction to both events, the Federal Smart Grid Task Force will “facilitate a multistakeholder process to develop […]
FPF Releases Model Short Consent Form for Third Parties Seeking Access to Consumer Energy Usage Data
Today, FPF released a model short consent form for third parties seeking to access consumer energy usage data. FPF is committed to supporting a flexible framework that ensures consumer privacy protections while still supporting the development and growth of new products and services. To view the form, click here.
Smart Security and Privacy for the Smart Grid
Last week, security researcher Brian Krebs reported on an FBI bulletin warning that criminals are hacking smart meters. In the bulletin, the FBI warns that former employees of smart meter manufacturers and utilities have been reprograming residential and commercial smart meters to lower power bills. The FBI identifies one particular instance where a utility may […]
FPF Responds to WH Announcement on Green Button Initiative
WASHINGTON – Today, the White House announced that 9 new utilities have committed to adopting the industry-led Green Button Initiative, joining 6 previously announced commitments, for a total of 27 million homes committed. The statement below can be attributed to Jules Polonetsky, Director and Co-Chair of the Future of Privacy Forum. “Offering consumers access to […]
Green Button Privacy
The Future of Privacy Forum applauds today’s announcements by companies that are implementing the Administration’s plan for a Green Button to allow consumers access to the energy data. Providing consumers access to this data will set the stage for new services that provide consumers with more control over how they manage their power use and […]
Jan. 13, 2012 – New Consumer Research to be Released at Smart Grid Symposium, PR Newswire
ATLANTA, Jan. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Smart Grid Consumer Collaborative (SGCC), a nonprofit specializing in research and education on smart grid consumer engagement, announced that the second wave of findings from its Smart Grid Consumer Pulse research study will be released at the SGCC Consumer Symposium to be held January 23, 2012 at DistribuTECH in San Antonio. The findings, developed through […]
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 […]
Some Weekend Reading for Smart Grid Privacy Folks
The U.S. Department of Energy released two reports on important policy issues raised by Smart Grid technologies that can promote innovation, cut costs for consumers and modernize the electrical grid. Check out the press release here. Check out the reports here.