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
The FTC’s Upcoming “Internet Of Things” Workshop: FPF Projects And Resources
Next Tuesday, The Federal Trade Commission will host a workshop on the “Internet of Things,” (IoT), the name commonly used to describe the next generation of connected (or “smart”) devices. As we enter the age of the Internet of Things, soon our homes will know about our energy consumption habits, our cars will know how […]
FTC Director of Consumer Protection Praises MLA Code
Politico reports this morning in Morning Tech that our guidelines for location analytics companies — announced yesterday — have been met with some kind words from FTC Director of Consumer Protection Jessica Rich.
The Future of Privacy Forum and Sen. Schumer Announce Important Agreement to Ensure Consumers Have Opportunity to “Opt-Out” Before Stores Can Track Their Movement Via Their Mobile Devices
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 22, 2013 The Future of Privacy Forum and Sen. Schumer Announce Important Agreement to Ensure Consumers Have Opportunity to “Opt-Out” Before Stores Can Track Their Movement Via Their Mobile Devices FPF and Schumer Release New Code-of-Conduct Agreed to By Location-Technology Companies Code Includes A Requirement of Clear, In-Store […]
Chuck Schumer Joins Lineup of Local Marketing Experts to Discuss Location Privacy at Leading Industry Conference
Top innovators in hyperlocal business are confirmed to speak at Street Fight Summit 2013, with more industry-leading speakers joining the lineup weekly. Some of the headliners already confirmed to speak at Street Fight Summit include Jules Polonetsky, Director, Future of Privacy Forum.
July 16, 2013 – Companies To Develop Privacy Standards For Tracking Brick-And-Mortar MediaPost News
FPF begins work with technology companies, privacy advocates, and regulators to develop a code of conduct aimed at protecting consumers’ privacy.
FPF Announces New Group to Develop Best Practices for Retail Location Analytics Companies
FPF Announces New Group to Develop Best Practices for Retail Location Analytics Companies
Mobile and the Connected Car
At this week’s DC Mobile Monday event, the potential of the connected car provided enthusiastic discussion. As our cars get smarter, they promise not only seamless infotainment and geolocational tracking features but also the capacity to communicate with other connected cars and our mechanics, improving safety and saving drivers time and money. While these are […]
Privacy by Design and Third Party Access to Customer Energy Usage Data
A new white paper is available today, “Privacy by Design and Third Party Access to Customer Energy Usage Data.” Written by Ontario, Canada’s Information and Privacy Commissioner, Dr. Ann …
New Smart Grid Research Shows Last Generation Technologies Pose Privacy Risks
Researchers at the University of South Carolina have published research showing that some types of electrical meters are broadcasting unencrypted information …